Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar, an independent presidential candidate, has expressed his view on the Democracy Hub-led protest aimed at ending illegal mining (galamsey).
In a video posted on his social media on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the leader of the New Force Movement suggested that the #ReoccupyJulorbiHouse protest, along with others like the #FixTheCountry demonstration, are tactics orchestrated by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“Well, let me tell you something, all of these protests and demonstrations that have been organized in this country in the past year or two, they are organized by one of the duopolies. It is the same politician, and I said it. I am not going to mention names, but you know that Julorbi and FixTheCountry were fixed by one of the existing parties. We cannot do this to ourselves and destroy this country because of a politician, personal interest, or a party interest.
“Please, Ghana, do your research. The people in front of all these demonstrations, some of them have treason charges. Ask, find out who is sponsoring them for the mobilization and all the things that happened. This is not about galamsey; this is about political interest,” he stated.
Cheddar’s remarks follow a previous statement where he criticized the #ReoccupyJulorbi protest, calling it illegal and an improper course of action.
“Power is taken and not given, and if you want to take power, you should take it with wisdom and knowledge. After all, power comes out of knowledge. I want us to use our knowledge, for violence is not the right way for us to send a message,” he said.
He appealed to the youth to exercise patience as the country is known for its peace-loving nature. “I am appealing to you as youths of the country to be patient as we approach the election season. Let’s find an amicable way to deal with it.”
He believes that violence cannot build a country.
“Instead of trying to mess it up, let’s build it together. That’s what I am here for. Violence, I don’t believe in it. Whatever you guys are doing, protesting and all of this, I can’t support you because that is not the right way.”
Nana Kwame Bediako has made a passionate call on opinion leaders to ensure peace. “Let’s not make this also full of violence and misunderstanding. Let’s find an amicable way to deal with this. On the 7th of December, we are going to have peaceful elections and the people can decide.”
The protest, which sought to pressure the government to put an end to illegal mining, was disrupted by police arrests, with the Ghana Police Service citing unlawful actions by the demonstrators.
More than 40 protesters were detained by the police between Sunday and Monday and have since faced legal proceedings.
Nonetheless, Cheddar’s opposition to the protest and his labeling of the organizers as NDC puppets has sparked significant criticism across social media platforms.
See some social media reactions to Cheddar’s statement below: