An independent presidential candidate, Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar, has voiced his disapproval of the protest organized by Democracy Hub, 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 #FixTheCountry, are orchestrated efforts 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 recent statement follows an earlier one in which he condemned the #ReoccupyJulorbiHouse protesters, labeling the demonstration as unlawful and asserting that it is not the appropriate approach.
“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 emphasized his belief that violence cannot contribute to building a nation.
“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 passionately called on opinion leaders to prioritize peace, urging, “Let’s not allow this to escalate into violence and misunderstanding. We must find an amicable solution. On December 7th, we will have peaceful elections where the people can make their choice.”
The protest, aimed at pressuring the government to end illegal mining activities, was overshadowed by police arrests, with the Ghana Police Service citing unlawful actions by the demonstrators.
More than 40 protesters were arrested between Sunday and Monday and have since been brought before the court.
Despite his call for peace, Bediako’s opposition to the protest and his labeling of the organizers as puppets of the NDC have drawn significant backlash on social media.