Ghanaian entrepreneur and presidential aspirant, Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar or Freedom Jacob Caesar, has criticized the government for favoring foreign events over local ones. Speaking in an exclusive interview with TV3 Morning Show on Thursday, Bediako highlighted the Global Citizen Live concert held in three African countries last year as an example.
The concert, featuring international and local artists, aimed to raise funds and awareness for the fight against poverty, climate change, and inequality. Bediako expressed disappointment, stating that the donations went to the organizers, and the government missed an opportunity to showcase Ghana’s potential. In contrast, he referenced his own event, The Convention, a local initiative addressing African challenges.
Bediako remarked, “These people were extremely successful (Global Citizens) in doing these events in three different countries, but they didn’t leave anything for us Ghanaians. They took the donations with them. Let’s see how Ghana embraced them. The whole country went, our leaders were there, they gave speeches. Now let’s come to The Convention.”
He emphasized that The Convention, organized by a Ghanaian and supported by the Ghanaian company New Africa, faced challenges, including attacks on speakers and cancellations. Bediako questioned when Africans would support their own, pointing out the contrast in appreciation between foreign and local events.
“The person that was behind the event was a Ghanaian, and the company that invested in the initiative is also a company from Ghana, New Africa. The speakers were attacked, it was cancelled, we were restricted.”
“The point I am trying to make here is, when are Africans going to support their own? Anything that is our own, we are against our own. That is why I am using the two events. The foreign events are appreciated, but the local is not,” he noted.
The Convention, initially scheduled for January 7 at Independence Square, was postponed after the government withdrew the permit, citing an “unforeseen state event.” Organized by Bediako’s New Africa Foundation, the event aimed to bring together prominent pan-Africanists to discuss solutions for Africa’s development.
Bediako, founder and CEO of the Kwarleyz Group, a conglomerate in real estate, finance, and property management, also announced his 2024 presidential candidacy under the New Force movement. He expressed a desire to bring a new vision and leadership to Ghana, empowering the youth and marginalized communities.
