Businessman Freedom Jacob Caesar, politically known as Nana Kwame Bediako, has said that contrary to what the Presidency said about the GHC10,000.00 refund it was going to make to the New Africa Foundation for the cancellation of its convention, they paid GHC30,000.00 for the venue.
Government, following the cancellation of the New Africa Foundation’s convention disclosed that the event was stopped as a result of an “unforeseen” state event which was beyond the control of the state.
The Deputy Director of the Diaspora Affairs Directorate at the Office of the President, Dr. Nadia Adongo Fynn, in a statement noted that even though the venue was approved for the usage of the convention on January 07, 2024, it had to be cancelled on the day.
She indicated that government was going to refund the GHC10,000.00 that was paid for the venue to them, creating the impression that the stated amount was the sum the event organisers paid.
“We write to revoke immediately the permission granted per our letter No.OP/PH/02 dated 11th November 2023 which approved your request to use the Black Star Square for the above event.
“This decision has been necessitated by an unforeseen State Event scheduled to take place at the venue. Under the circumstances, the amount of Ten Thousand Ghana cedis (GHc10, 000.00) paid by your office for the use of the venue will be refunded. We regret any inconvenience this may cause,” Dr. Nadia Fynn said.
However, in an interview on Onua TV/FM’s Maakye with Captain Smart Thursday, January 11, 2024, Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Freedom Jacob Caesar, in the business world noted that they paid GHC30,000.00.
This brings to question the whereabouts of the remaining GHC20k which was not stated in the letter.
Nana Kwame Bediako, has for some months now, stirred controversy in the political space about the elusive ‘Man in the Mask’ with his vibrant ‘The New Force’ campaign until unveiling his identity Sunday, January 07, 2024.
He had planned a concert with seasoned political speakers across the continent for his unveiling but was prevented by state authorities after the venue was taken away.
He was denied the Black Star Square as venue for the event due to an unforeseen event that was scheduled at the venue according to the Diaspora Affairs Directorate at the Office of the President.
Organizers of the pan-African event, New Africa Foundation, had accused the government of ordering them to cancel the programme at the last minute despite granting approval in November 2023.
The event was to host speakers like Professor P. L. O. Lumumba, Julius Malema, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, and Peter Obi.
Some Ghanaians who thronged the venue on Sunday to participate in the event were stranded as security personnel reportedly denied them access to the facility.
