#OccupyJulorbi, #FixTheCountry protests all about NDC’s interest

Independent presidential candidate Nana Kwame Bediako, alias Cheddar, has affirmed his opposition to the Democracy Hub-led protest organised to call for an end to illegal mining (galamsey).

In a video shared on his social media on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the leader of the New Force Movement alluded that the protest dubbed #ReoccupyJulorbiHouse and similar ones such as the #FixTheCountry protest are all machinations of 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.

The statement by Cheddar comes on the back of an earlier one he issued in which he condemned the #ReoccupyJulorbi protesters, describing it as unlawful and not the right way.

"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 believes that violence cannot build a country.

"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 made a passionate call on opinion leaders to ensure peace. “Let’s not make this also full of violence and misunderstanding. Let’s find an amicable way to deal with this. On the 7th of December, we are going to have peaceful elections and the people can decide.”

The protest aimed at compelling the government to end illegal mining activities was marred by police arrests over what the Ghana Police Service describes as unlawful acts by the protesters.

Over 40 protesters were arrested by the police between Sunday and Monday and have since been put before court.

However, his stance against the protest and declaration of the organizers as stooges of the NDC has been met with heavy backlash on social media.

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See some social media reactions to Cheddar's statement below:

Cheddar say violent protest lol https://t.co/NxbYYQq1MZ
— Bright Emmanuel (@Is_bey_) September 25, 2024

This was Cheddar last year September 22 endorsing #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest. Today he says these same protestors are violent people. Watch the video attached and listen to what he said. Man has taken the bag.💰#FreeTheCitzens #StopGalamsey pic.twitter.com/APIJwWJtgf
— Elias 𓃵 (@yelias0) September 25, 2024

Cheddar you’re right. You’re a sensible aspirant. God bless you 🙏😊 https://t.co/tME32bUp2x
— Outstanding Music Producer 🇬🇭 (@LibesonBeatz) September 25, 2024

“I don’t support the recent #ReoccuppyJulorbiHouse protest because it was organized by the NDC” - Cheddar…this is your savior? Lmao 🤣 pic.twitter.com/R77qO64T8y
— Hubert 𝕏 (@KwesiHubert) September 25, 2024

Me: “No more NDC and NPP. Only Cheddar can save Ghana”
Cheddar: “I don’t support protests”

Atanfo enya me oo 🙆🏾‍♀️#StopGalamsey #FreetheCitizens pic.twitter.com/bmIyFphxG1
— Oprah (@Oprah_gh) September 26, 2024

2023: Ghana Police is evil for arresting a foreigner who leads my political campaign

2024: Ghana Police is good for arresting innocent Ghanaian protesters

This is the double-faced Cheddar! https://t.co/OXJTYRw0e7 pic.twitter.com/cl6gqZCTWb
— GhLawTrends (@GhLawTrends) September 26, 2024