I Made My First £1M At Age 21: Life Of Nana Kwame Bediako a.k.a. Cheddar Or Freedom Jacob Caesar
Nana Kwame Bediako has recently gained significant attention due to his bold presidential campaign and his association with the ‘New Force’ movement that he founded.
Tru News Report aims to provide an insightful glimpse into his life and delve into the essence of his character. Despite facing obstacles such as the government’s interference in the unveiling of his movement at Independence Square, it is evident that Nana Kwame Bediako harbours genuine intentions for the betterment of the country.
Furthermore, his scheduled interview with state-owned GTV was abruptly cancelled due to external influence purported to have originated from the government. In addition to these challenges, he has faced allegations of not filing personal income tax returns between 2013 and 2016, resulting in a GH¢50,000 fine.
Bediako vehemently denies these claims, firmly defending his innocence. Moreover, his source of wealth has been subjected to constant scrutiny, despite his sincere desire to utilise his resources and extensive knowledge for the benefit of his nation.
Despite providing explanations regarding the source of his wealth in numerous interviews, he continues to be targeted and exploited for his vulnerabilities.
Before delving into the depths of Nana Kwame Bediako’s life, it is essential to acquaint ourselves with his name, which he holds in high regard. The presidential hopeful is known by three distinct names, namely Nana Kwame Bediako, Cheddar, and Freedom Jacob Caesar, with each name encapsulating a unique facet of his persona.
He says the three names represent three different people.
Nana Kwame Bediako is more of a corporate guy who is more interested in investments and development.
Cheddar is just a street nickname that means money in the rap industry and connects more with the youth.
Freedom Jacob Caesar, according to him, is “very enigmatic,” and it is a character he created and rechristened himself to be that person.
He says it is “royal; it is empowerment” and a character that has a particular style of presenting itself but also as a leader of a movement “introducing Africa to the world.”
“I thought that Africa needed that; Africa needed someone from Africa that goes out there to the Western world and portrays Africa as royalty.”
Early Life and Education
Nana Kwame Bediako was born in Asokwa, Kumasi, Ghana. He attended Accra Academy and, later, Apam Secondary School. Afterwards, he relocated to the United Kingdom and enrolled at Waltham Forest College. During his time at university, Bediako ventured into business and even sold clothing. In previous media interviews, he mentioned that his business journey began when his affluent father provided him and his brother with some money to assist their mother, Kwarley.
While his brother purchased eggs and bread, Bediako decided to invest in a hen and a cock, thus initiating a poultry business. Over time, the business flourished, and he eventually sold approximately 200 eggs per month. Subsequently, he entered the scrap metal industry and became involved in selling scrap metal.
In his earlier media interviews, he explained that once he started earning money, he decided to drop out of school as he believed that the traditional education system had limited value for him. Alongside his involvement in the scrap metal business, Bediako ventured into the telecommunications industry in 1999.
He founded Global Telecommunications and Utilities (GTU), a company that provided billing services for individuals’ internet usage. In 2001, he returned to Ghana and established a nightclub called Temptations in Osu, Accra.
It was through his personal experience of renting a venue for the nightclub that he became inspired to enter the real estate sector. Consequently, he founded Kwarleyz Group, which encompasses various interests in real estate, finance, and property management.
Nana Kwame Bediako’s business and investments
Nana Kwame Bediako revealed that his initial investment came from constructing two houses on a single plot of land in Ghana. Before venturing into the real estate industry, he leased a venue in Osu named Temptations, where he operated a nightclub around 2002. During this time, he also played a pivotal role in introducing a new lifestyle concept in Ghana. To avoid feeling isolated in Ghana after relocating from London, he extended invitations to individuals from Holland, London, and America to join him in Ghana.
“And the place that I rented, my capital at that time was 20,000 pounds [sterling]. My main capital that I had made in London from telecommunication and [selling] scraps, [and what] I had invested in Hawaii was a million pounds. And the money I brought to Ghana [20,000 pounds] was what I did the club with. But when I did the club, I made US$75,000 and that US$75,000 is what I used to enter real estate.”
He clarified that he was converting his Ghana cedis into dollars due to the devaluation that was occurring at that time.
According to him, his initial earnings in England, when he turned 21, amounted to a staggering one million pounds (£1 million). He was self-employed, working alongside Global Telecommunication and Utilities (GTU), and also engaged in selling scraps. He proudly mentioned having his own office in London and managing a team of two employees.
Temptations: His first Nightclub
Nana Kwame Bediako stated that after establishing the nightclub and receiving a sum of US$75,000, it was eventually sold to another individual for US$150,000. This transaction took place at [Matador], which is the present location of Citizen Kofi in Osu.
“So that is how I went into real estate with the US$150,000. I went to rent the next building, arranged the same nightclub and used it to buy it again, made profit before I entered into building my own properties,” he says.
According to Nana Kwame Bediako, when he did the nightclub and got the US$75,000, someone later bought the club for US$150,000 – [Matador] – (that is where Citizen Kofi is currently located in Osu).
“So that is how I went into real estate with the US$150,000. I went to rent the next building, arranged the same night club and used it to buy it again, made profit before I entered into building my own properties,” he says.
Nana Kwame Bediako’s political ambitions (The New Force)
Nana Kwame Bediako, during a press conference held on January 7, 2024, announced his candidature for the presidency of Ghana.
The event, dubbed ‘The Convention’, saw the presence of prominent speakers, including Peter Obi from Nigeria, Dr. Arikana from Zimbabwe, and Prof. PLO Lumumba from Kenya.
“I intend for my absence to make an impact, and I’m aware that’s why you’re searching for the man; the man in the mask is right in front of you,” he said.
In various reports, ‘The Convention,’ originally scheduled to take place at Independence Square to unveil the man behind the mask, was cancelled by “order from above,” which has been speculated to be the powers within the ruling government. The speakers and artists slated for the event were allegedly instructed to return to their respective hotels by Police and National Security officials.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Sunday, January 7, after the cancellation of the event by an order from the presidency, he said he would have taken his time to tell Ghanaians about the face behind the mask but chose to do so now due to the controversies that surrounded the convention event.
“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.
“We need to educate. We need to uplift our children. We need to voice 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.
“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, with 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 said.
Personal Life: Who are his wife and children?
The founder of the New Force and business mogul is married to Ruby Bediako and they have three children.
Public perceptions of Bediako
The majority of Ghanaians have shown great faith in him due to his young age, as they believe he can effectively embody their hopes and help them achieve their objectives.
This optimism was demonstrated when he emerged victorious in a social media survey conducted by GhOneTV, surpassing prominent candidates John Dramani Mahama and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The recent poll conducted by GhOneTV aimed to measure public sentiment towards potential candidates for the upcoming general elections on December 7th. Surprisingly, Cheddar emerged as a frontrunner, surpassing well-known figures from established political parties.
GhOneTV conducted the poll on various social media platforms, pitting Cheddar against prominent political figures such as John Dramani Mahama from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Alan Kyeremanteng from the newly formed Movement for Change.
On Thursday, January 11, 2024, Nana Kwame Bediako achieved a significant victory, capturing the attention of both social media users and political observers. This outcome highlights the increasing influence of non-traditional political figures in Ghana’s political landscape.
Nana Kwame Bediako’s lifestyle, cars and fashion
Cheddar is known for his extravagant spending habits and impeccable taste in fashion. He also possesses a collection of high-end vehicles that perfectly align with his elite status.
Recently, he made headlines on social media for his grand gesture of gifting his wife a luxurious mansion worth over a million dollars, accompanied by a lavish Porsche Panamera valued at more than $80,000.
Not only did he acquire Cristiano Ronaldo’s Lamborghini Aventador, but he also imported an assortment of remarkable cars to Ghana, including a Lamborghini Urus, a Lamborghini Aventador, and a meticulously customized Rezvani Tank.
In addition to his remarkable car collection, Cheddar boasts a fleet of opulent automobiles, such as the Rolls-Royce Wraith, which carries a staggering price tag of $320,000.
His impeccable sense of fashion is evident through his choice of clothing and his preference for renowned designer brands.
Cheddar’s pets
Cheddar, likely the first person in Africa to possess tigers as pets, encountered complications with the authorities due to his decision to keep these wild animals in his residence, which posed significant risks to others.
The police were notified by his neighbours about his ownership of tigers as pets, and subsequently, legal measures were taken against him.
“I went through the right process, and I brought experts from outside to create a safety cage for them so that they don’t become a danger to the public,” Cheddar told reporters when his neighbours dragged him to court over the issue.
“I can guarantee you that there’s millions in Africa who have never seen a tiger, and that’s the common yellow and black. Now we have the white tigers, which are very rare in this world.”
Cheddar keeps them enclosed in a pen next to his home in a gated compound with five other houses in an upmarket area of Accra.
Cheddar’s celebrity friends
Cheddar, being a prominent figure, naturally attracts wealthy and influential individuals into his inner circle. Notably, he maintains close ties with renowned personalities across the globe, such as Floyd Mayweather, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mary J. Blige.
In 2020, Floyd Mayweather disclosed his involvement in a significant venture, possibly taking place in Ghana alongside Cheddar. However, Mayweather refrained from divulging specific information regarding this ambitious undertaking with Nana Kwame Bediako.
His bond with Ronaldo was forged when he acquired a Lamborghini Aventador several years ago.
Philanthropy
Beyond his business endeavours, Bediako is known for his commitment to philanthropy. He has initiated several social responsibility projects aimed at uplifting underprivileged communities and providing access to education and healthcare services.
