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Prominent African leaders and activists, including Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, Professor P.L.O Lumumba, and former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi, have expressed disappointment at the unexpected cancellation of \u2018The Conention,\u2019 an event at which they were billed to speak last weekend.<\/strong><\/p>\n The event\u2019s cancellation by the government on January 7, 2024 stirred controversy, especially on social media.<\/p>\n Expressing their disappointment, Professor P.L.O Lumumba described the cancellation as \u201ctotally inexplicable.\u201d<\/p>\n He highlighted the historical significance of Accra, Ghana, as a place where, nearly 67 years ago, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah declared that Ghana\u2019s independence meant nothing if the entire continent of Africa was not liberated.<\/p>\n Lumumba stated, \u201cWe came here to Accra Ghana, to share our message. It\u2019s a message of hope, it\u2019s a message that Africa needs at this time, and there is no better place in the continent of Africa to begin that message, than Accra Ghana.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is in this Accra Ghana that the Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, almost 67 years ago, spoke to the world and told the world, that the independence of Ghana meant nothing if the continent of Africa was not freed.<\/p>\n \u201c67 years later, we were congregating here in Accra, in the very same place, where the founding fathers and mothers of Ghana congregated to share the message of hope.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were invited by The New Africa foundation, with one single instruction that we have lamented for too long, agonized for too long and the time is now to organize. That is the innocent message that we are here to deliver and, in a manner, totally inexplicable to us, we are not at that venue,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Despite the setback, the leaders emphasized their commitment to spreading their message of hope and empowerment for African youth.<\/p>\n Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao echoed Lumumba\u2019s sentiments, expressing determination to continue delivering the gospel of truth.<\/p>\n She said, \u201cThe New African Foundation specifically requested us to come and address African youth, starting with the youth in Ghana. We may not be at the convention center, but we continue to preach the gospel of truth until we reach the promised land.\u201d<\/p>\n Peter Obi, in his response, acknowledged the leadership challenges that Africa has faced over the years.<\/p>\n He emphasized, \u201cWe might not be at the convention, but that would not stop the conversation. We only shifted the venue, so the conversation continues.<\/p>\n \u201cAfrica has been going through what it is currently going through due to leadership problems. It is failed leadership over the years that has brought Africa to where it is.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, amidst the controversy, Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar or Freedom Jacob Caesar has revealed that he is the man behind the \u2018The New Force\u2019 political movement.<\/p>\n He explained at a press conference in Accra on January 7, 2024; that he had been forced to also unveil his identity as the much-awaited \u2018Man in the Mask.\u2019<\/p>\n What Cheddar said:<\/p>\n \u201cI am nothing to be scared of. I came to you as your salvation. I don\u2019t invest in myself alone. I am investing in you,\u201d he said of his plans for Ghana and Africa.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t 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,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n He emphasized that the events of January 7 had given him enough reason to disclose his political identity.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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\u2019m that man.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n \u201cBut 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,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n