Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar or Freedom Jacob Caesar, has unveiled himself as the force behind ‘The New Force’ political movement.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on January 7, 2024, the 43-year-old disclosed his identity as the long-awaited ‘Man in the Mask.’
Flanked by prominent political figures across Africa, including Peter Obi of Nigeria, PLO Lumumba of Kenya, and Zimbabwe’s Dr Arikana Chihombori-Quao, he explained that the revelation was prompted by unforeseen circumstances leading to the cancellation of the much-anticipated “The Convention” event at the Black Star Square in Accra.
What Cheddar said:
“I am nothing to be scared of. I came to you as your salvation. I don’t invest in myself alone. I am investing in you,” he said of his plans for Ghana and Africa.
“We need to educate. We need to uplift our children. We need to speak out to them. You are about to find out about this man in the mask because I never spoke a word; you were looking for me.
“I didn’t tell you whether I am into politics, whether I am an evangelist, whether I am a conventionist or a revolutionist. After this day, you will have to wait for me to share my policies and my visions with you,” he stressed.
He emphasised that the events of January 7 had given him enough reason to disclose his political identity.
“And if I’m the reason why the country or the government is not happy about these great voices coming to educate not only Ghana, but also Africa, then I take this moment to sacrifice myself, to unveil myself, because I have much respect for these great leaders beside me.
“I would have taken my own time to tell you that I am. But for this very moment, I am sacrificing myself to let you know that I’m that man.
“But I’m that man with a good purpose and a great vision. I have a plan, and I have a vision for this nation. And not only for this nation; I have it for Africa too.
“But I know Africa is the next biggest thing because out of all the continents that have been developed in this world, there is only one continent that is not developed and I am sent to do that,” he added.
Social media platforms went into overdrive in the evening of January 7, 2024, when an event rumoured to be the unveiling of the leader of The New Force political movement at the Black Star Square was halted by National Security operatives and officials from the Ghana Police Service.
Over the last week, flyers and billboards in some parts of Accra advertised an event dubbed “The Convention.”
Distinguished guests, including former Nigerian presidential aspirant Peter Obi, President of the Economic Freedom Fighters of South Africa Julius Malema, one-time Director of the Kenya School of Law P.L.O. Lumumba, and former Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States Arikana Chihombori-Quao, were present at the event. Musicians such as Efya, Stonebwoy, and Wiyaala were scheduled to perform.
On Sunday, videos circulated on social media showing the event grounds being set up, sparking rumours that it was the unveiling of “Man Behind the Mask.”
However, by 6 p.m., reports from GHOne’s Twitter handle indicated that the organisers were forced to cancel the event. Helicopters, suspected to be manned by National Security operatives, were seen flying around the venue.
Additional videos on social media showed supporters being prevented from accessing the grounds, with allegations on Twitter suggesting that special guests and artists scheduled for the event were forced to return to their hotels by Ghana Police Service and National Security officials.