Renowned Ghanaian businessman Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar or Freedom Jacob Caesar, has leveled accusations against the Office of the President, alleging foul play in a financial transaction relative to the use of Independence Square.
Cheddar claims that his organization, the New Africa Foundation, paid GHC₵30,000 to use the venue for their event, ‘The Convention,’ which was abruptly halted by the government on January 7, 2024. However, the revocation of the permit from the presidency indicates a refund of only ₵10,000.
In an interview with TV3 on January 11, 2024, Cheddar expressed bewilderment at the discrepancy in the information provided by the government regarding the payment. He emphasized that the receipt issued to them indicated a payment of ₵30,000, while the government records showed only ₵10,000.
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“The receipt that we got was ₵30,000, so if the government is showing ₵10,000 it is minus two-thirds. Is this how the whole country behaves in everything that we do, with our taxes?” Cheddar questioned.
Cheddar further highlighted that the payment was made in the name of the New African Foundation, but the revocation notice referred to the event as the ‘Black Star Line Festival.’
“We also paid under the name of New Africa Foundation, and you gave us the permit, but you are using Black Star Line something, something,” he explained.
To substantiate his claims, Cheddar shared a receipt from the office of diaspora affairs at the presidency, confirming that the New African Foundation indeed paid ₵30,000 to use Independence Square for its program.
The controversy arose on January 7, 2024, when an event, rumored to be the unveiling of the leader of The New Force political movement was halted by National Security operatives and officials from the Ghana Police Service.
ALSO READ: The New Force Fiasco: We Spent Almost $250,000 On Planning The Convention 2024 – Cheddar
The event, titled “The Convention,” was organized by the New African Foundation and featured dignitaries and performers, including former Nigerian presidential aspirant Peter Obi, Julius Malema, P.L.O Lumumba, Efya, Stonebwoy, and Wiyaala.
A statement from the Office of The President cited an “unforeseen State Event” as the reason for blocking the Black Star Square, and a booking fee refund of ₵10,000 was promised to the event organizers.
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