KEY POINTS
- Kwame Bediako claims the #OccupyJulorbi and #FixTheCountry protests are backed by the NDC.
- He condemned the protests as unlawful and urged peaceful approaches.
- Over 40 protesters were arrested by police for alleged unlawful acts.
Independent presidential candidate Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar, voiced his opposition to the protest led by Democracy Hub against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
In a video shared on his social media on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, Bediako, leader of the New Force Movement, claimed that the #ReoccupyJulorbiHouse protest and similar movements, such as #FixTheCountry, are orchestrated by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“Well, let me tell you something, all of these protests and demonstrations organized in this country over the past year or two are driven by one of the duopolies. It is the same politician. I won’t mention names, but you know that Julorbi and FixTheCountry were initiated by one of the existing parties. We cannot destroy this country because of a politician’s personal or party interest,” he said.
Bediako advised Ghanaians to investigate the motives behind the protests. “Please, Ghana, do your research. The people leading these demonstrations, some of them have treason charges. Ask who is sponsoring their mobilization. This is not about galamsey; it’s about political interest,” he stated.
Calls for peaceful approaches ahead of elections
His comments follow a previous statement where he condemned the #ReoccupyJulorbi protesters, labeling their actions as unlawful. “Power is taken, not given, and if you want to take power, do it with wisdom and knowledge. Violence is not the right way to send a message,” he said.
Bediako begged the youth to exercise patience as the country prepares for elections. “I urge the youth to remain peaceful. Let’s find an amicable solution as we approach election season,” he said, emphasizing that violence cannot build a nation.
“Instead of trying to mess it up, let’s build this country together. I don’t believe in violence Whatever protests you are involved in, I can’t support because it’s not the right way,” Bediako added.
According to a report by Ghana Web, he called on opinion leaders to maintain peace. “Let’s avoid violence and misunderstanding. We will have peaceful elections on Dec. 7, and the people can decide.”
The protest, aimed at pressuring the government to stop illegal mining, was marred by police arrests. The Ghana Police Service detained more than 40 protesters between Sunday and Monday. The protesters have since been brought before the court.
Bediako’s stance against the protests and his claim that organizers are aligned with the NDC has faced backlash on social media.
