Nana Kwame Bediako, known as Freedom Jacob Caesar or Cheddar, is a Ghanaian businessman and the founder and chairman of Kwarleyz Group, which focuses on real estate, finance, and property management in West Africa. He is also the founder and leader of the New Force Movement, running as an independent presidential candidate.
Recently, a leaked chat and audio recording, shared by renowed Ghanaian critic BongoIdeas, have raised concerns about Cheddar’s treatment of polling agents during the 2024 general elections.
During the elections, various presidential candidates appointed polling agents to monitor the electoral process at polling stations, ensuring fair conduct and representation of their political parties. Among them was Cheddar, the independent candidate of the New Force Movement.
Two polling agents from different constituencies have shared their experiences regarding their treatment by the party. One agent from Kronum KSI in the Suame Constituency stated, “I went there early in the morning without getting food; not even a bottle of water was shared. I’m not the only one who faced this problem; almost all the people who acted as agents for him did as well. They agreed we would get paid an amount of GH¢200 after the work, but till now, none has received their share. Recently, one of the bosses dropped an audio in our group, stating that they have reduced the payment from GH¢200 to GH¢100. All of us are speechless.”
Another agent from Cape Coast expressed similar concerns, saying, “Can you imagine Cheddar hasn’t paid his agents in Cape Coast who worked for him since the election? Someone who wanted to be president to help the youth is denying them their payment for work done.”
In the leaked audio recording, a man identified by one agent as a party boss (Cheddar’s appointee) is heard urging the agents to accept the reduced payment of GH¢100. He asked them to do it for the love of the party and to sympathize with Cheddar, who has reportedly invested substantial resources into his campaign.
Reactions from netizens have varied. An alleged Cheddar polling agent has publicly contested the claims, posting images to support his assertions. The images show the agreed amount of GH¢200 received from Cheddar, along with chats from WhatsApp group members confirming their payment.
However, upon closer inspection, it appears that this agent is not from the constituencies expressing grievances, as the WhatsApp group name and members differ. This raises the possibility that while some polling agents received the agreed amount for their efforts, others may not have.
As the news continues to spread, the public awaits a response from Cheddar and his team regarding these allegations.
You can check out the leaked audio and chat via this link:
Part 1(contains leaked audio and chat).
Part 2 (contains chat).
Source: Yawanews