Ghanaian business mogul, Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Freedom Jacob Caesar or Cheddar has pointed out what he says are inconsistencies in the response from the government regarding his much anticipated programme, The Convention, which was eventually canceled.
The programme was scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 7, 2024, however, it was abruptly canceled a few hours to its commencement.
A statement was subsequently issued from the Diaspora Affairs Directorate of the Office of the President, explaining circumstances that resulted in the sudden cancellation of the programme.
“We write to revoke immediately the permission granted per our letter No.OP/PH/02 dated November 11, 2024, which approved your request to use the Black Star Square for the above event.
“This decision has been necessitated by an unforeseen State Event scheduled to take place at the venue,” portions of the statement read.
Government also indicated in the statement that it will refund an amount of GHS10,000 paid by Cheddar to the Diaspora Affairs.
Contrary to details in a statement, Cheddar noted that he paid GHS30,000 to the Presidency and not GHS10,000.
“First of all the receipt that we got is GHS30,000 so if the government is showing GHS10,000, it’s minus two-thirds,” he said.
Feeling shortchanged, he questioned the rationale for the part payment of the money.
“Is this how the whole country behaves in everything that we do? With our taxes, with everything that we do?
However, per Cheddar’s further explanations, he was charged for six days, which according to him, included four days which will be used to set up the Independence Square and also, a day for clearing the Independence after the event.
In a document dated 15th November purported to be a receipt issued by the Diaspora Affairs Directorate of the Office of the President, the directorate acknowledged receipt of payment for the Black Stars Square Venue to be used for a programme from the 2nd January to the 8th January 2024.
Payment details are as follows: “Use of Venue 5000 a day for 6 days = GHS 30,000.” Service charge was waived, however, the Directorate indicated that if any other costs are necessary to be made, Cheddar will be duly informed.
Cheddar said the cancellation of the event has left him frustrated.