On the night of September 1, 2024, Nana Kwame Bediako, leader of the New Force Movement, revealed his manifesto titled “The 12 Pillars for Economic Freedom.”
Bediako, widely known as Cheddar, singled out Pillar 10—raising Ghana’s first $50 billion—as a key focus, calling it the answer to the country’s challenges.
Described by Bediako as his visionary document, the manifesto outlines a detailed plan to foster prosperity, create opportunities, and secure a bright future for Ghanaians.
The 12 Pillars he presented detail his core policies and vision for the nation, for which he is seeking support in the December 7, 2024, presidential election, contingent on his approval as an independent candidate by the Electoral Commission (EC).
Among the strategies proposed under Pillar 10 is a Citizenship by Investment Programme, which Bediako believes could play a crucial role in reaching the $50 billion goal.
This program would allow individuals and families to obtain alternative citizenship through investment, granting them the benefits of international travel and residency.
Globally, over 100 countries have some form of investment migration legislation, with about 30 operating successful residence or citizenship by investment programs. For example, in St. Kitts and Nevis, the minimum donation for citizenship through the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) program is approximately $400,000 for a single applicant, with additional costs for family members.
Similar programs exist in countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Jordan, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, St. Lucia, and Türkiye.
While presenting his manifesto and discussing Pillar 10, Bediako remarked, “Raising Ghana’s first $50 billion may seem challenging, but it is crucial for our nation’s growth and development.”
“Because we are only struggling over US$3 billion, and we barely get it. How are we going to raise US$50 billion? Yes, we are going to raise US$50 billion, says who, says the young man [Bediako] standing in front of you? This vision and this policy is going to make it happen.”
“If you ever wondered where all this money will come from, well, this is it, and it’s very simple. So we decided a collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior come together for one purpose, to empower the Immigration Services of this country and create the citizenship package to monetize Ghanaian citizenship only for Africans.”
“Now, I know that this vision and this idea is going to save Ghana, but it is Phase One of it. The target is one million Africans to invest 50,000 in Ghana in exchange for a Ghanaian passport. They can invest in our gold, they can invest in our oil, they can invest in our agro-processing. They can invest in all the things I have told you, because Ghana will have the biggest, most booming economy, and it is going to attract Africans to come into this country, but they will also want to be part of Ghana’s legacy, and so we have to take advantage of that and raise the US$50 billion from Africans by Africans. This very policy marks a history today because we would not need the Western world to provide for us anymore, now that we know we can raise a thousand times more than they give us,” he said.
“But remember, this is not only about the money. The grand agenda in this is introducing African unification. It is going to start in Ghana. We would be the first people to start the Project USA, United States of Africa, by people joining us, and we welcome them through our borders, but also they will be investing in our land.”
“See, we are about to initiate a borderless continent, and trade will come through, investment will come through, our neighbouring countries will join us. We are about to join hands, we are about to have an entangled economy that cannot be broken anymore, that cannot be separated anymore.”
“See, we have been regionally separated by borders and internally we have been separated by tribes. Once we have the water connected, we are coming together by tribes, once we have the borderless continent, we are coming together by countries, this is about to end.
We are going to import our talents and skills from across Africa, everywhere,” Nana Kwame Bediako added.
“Infact, Naija, I know you are watching me in Nigeria, we are coming for you, I know, just you, Nigeria, if I decide that one million of you should invest in my country passport, you will bring the money in five days to Ghana, you will give us 50 billion more. And I promise you, we will trade in gold, in oil and we will make ourselves become successful because we are going to raise this capital amongt ourselves.
So remember, when I come to power, I will be the first one to invite these Africans to truly become a part of Ghana as Africans and raise this US$50 billion.”
“Guess what, there is a Phase Two of this money raising, and it is a grand invitation of people of African descent, history will tell the rest. Now we either move forward together or we stand still separated, and it is one of my favourite pillars.
The unveiling of Nana Kwame Bediako’s manifesto took place in an open garden at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), with the flags of Ghana and the New Force Movement prominently displayed in the background as Bediako presented his policy agenda.
Arriving at around 7:30 pm in a tipper truck painted in national colors, Bediako, also known as Cheddar or Freedom Jacob Caesar, made a grand entrance, aiming to impress the electorate with his commitment to transforming Ghana.
Dressed in a black suit, Bediako, the leader of the New Force Movement, meticulously outlined each of his 12 Pillars, including a key policy he termed Apostolic Governance, discussing its importance, feasibility, and its role in Ghana’s transformation.
Bediako first introduced himself as the face of the New Force Movement in late 2023 and has been working to register it as a political party.
Currently, he holds a provisional certificate from the Electoral Commission and is awaiting full certification.
Given that nominations for political parties open next week, Bediako will not be able to contest under the New Force Movement’s banner. Consequently, he has decided to run as an independent presidential candidate.
Nana Kwame Bediako’s 12 Pillars for Economic Growth;
Pillar 1- 16 Regional Industrial Revolution
Pillar 2- Ghana’s First Water Transportation & Sub-Regional Railway
Pillar 3- Energy City & Technology Hub
Pillar 4- Reserves Reserves Reserves
Pillar 5- National Sovereign Wealth Fund
Pillar 6- The SSNIT Revolution.
Pillar 7- Industri-Cation (Industrialization + Education)
Pillar 8- Environmental & Human Rights Protection
Pillar 9- The “Apostolic” Government
Pillar 10- Ghana’s First $50 Billion
Pillar 11- National Security and Data Protection
Pillar 12- Sports and Creative Industry
