Ghanaian entrepreneur and an independent contender in the upcoming 2024 elections, Nana Kwame Bediako has ridiculed ex-President and the main opposition National Democratic Congress’ John Dramani Mahama to run Ghana on a 24-hour economic footing as impractical.
During an interview, He instead suggested a 24-hour shift system as an alternative. “I don’t agree to the 24-hour economy, I agree to 24-hour shifts if we have the power, the 24-hour shift work will happen best for industrialization”.
Cheddar again reiterated his commitment towards initiating an industrial revolution once given the nod to lead the country.
Cheddar emphasized that, according to insights he gained during his tour of the country, he realized that over 60 percent of the Ghanaian people are not employed.
He added that in his view only an industrial revolution as huge as what he is promising can turn the fortunes of the country and its people around for good.
Seeking Grassroot Appeal
As part of his efforts to become a household name and gain acceptability, Cheddar embarked on a tour across the vast stretches of the country.
During one such campaign stop at the Goaso Traditional Area of the Ahafo region, he conferred with the paramount chief of the area, Nana Akwasi Bosompra I.
Cheddar assured the Chief and his people of employment, development, and industries under his watch should win the coveted office.
“There were several factories established in Ghana and Goaso after our independence but these factories aren’t working anymore. I am pleading with you to vote for me to correct things in our society to benefit our children and unborn ones.”
Nana Kwame Bediako
Nana Akwasi Bosompra I on the other encouraged him to be steadfast saying “Ghana belongs to all of us, continue with your zeal and determination, it will be a tough fight but I know you can deliver.”
The yearning for the force
Since the restoration of democracy and the beginning of the Fourth Republic, Ghana has been governed interchangeably by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its main rival, the governing New Patriotic Party.
There is a growing sentiment among Ghanaians that blames both parties for “ wrecking” the country.
Election after election, minor political parties have performed below expectation to suggest the potential emergence of a third force.
Many analysts have attributed their poor showings to the lack of organization, structure, and funding to be the reason for this outcome, and not the lack of appetite for an alternative.
Nana Kwame Bediako’s New Force hopes to fill the void. Before unveiling his face and candidature, billboards of a man in coat and tie with a masked face and the inscription “New Force” sprang across some strategic parts of Accra.
It set the country abuzz until he finally declared his ownership of billboards and also announced his Presidential candidature.
As he tries to attract mainstream appeal, questions are now being asked about his personality, source of wealth, policies, and leadership experiences if he is elected. Responding to the probes on his personality and source of wealth. Cheddar offered answers in a terse remark recently.
“I am a developer, I am an industrialist, I a visionary, I am a humanitarian philanthropist, I am an entrepreneur, go and bring someone who has all these credentials and credibility, I have all these, and I want to share because the value of the knowledge is to be shared,”
Nana Kwame Bediako
The dark horse in the race
Recent and previous opinion polls have tipped NDC’s John Dramani Mahana to win against the governing NPP’s Mahamoud Bawumia. That makes the Presidential race a more “ traditional” two-man race of the Fourth Republic.
Going after John Mahama may be an attempt by Cheddar to sap the strength of the former’s campaign.
With the absence of any meaningful campaign structure and message beyond catchphrases, does Cheddar stand a chance of winning?
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