As BBG Ghana takes to the streets, our team is excited to hear what people think about the mysterious and intriguing #TheNewForce campaign. Led by Nana Kwame Bediako, known as Cheddar, this campaign has captivated Ghanaians and sparked conversations on political innovation. Recently, Cheddar announced his 12-point message, further fueling interest in his movement.

Watch the announcement here. 

BBG Ghana will be gathering perspectives from both Black Americans and international visitors, creating a rich tapestry of voices to explore the impact and potential of this movement.

Why Focus on ‘The New Force’?

As an American and a proud West Virginian, I’m no stranger to flashy political campaigns. We’ve seen it all—from the Trump era to the current Jim Justice era in West Virginia politics.

One thing is certain: flashy political antics and campaigns work.

The ultimate rebuttal: West Virginia governor hoists dog’s derrière in cheeky response to critics

But Cheddar’s vision goes beyond mere spectacle. It taps into the heartbeat of a young, vibrant Ghana—a nation eager to chart its own course and reclaim its resources. This resonates deeply with me, especially as I come from West Virginia, a state long defined by its extraction economy. Cheddar’s ideas on building a sovereign Ghana offer a refreshing contrast and a compelling vision for the future.

During my stay in Ghana in December 2023, I was captivated by the mysterious #TheNewForce campaign, which creatively used billboards and social media to pique voters’ curiosity. Despite my inquiries, the identity behind the campaign remained a mystery to locals. On my final day, just before I returned for the February WV Legislative session, the enigma was resolved: Nana Kwame Bediako, or Cheddar, a millionaire real estate entrepreneur and a symbol of political change, was the face behind the mask.

Cheddar’s bold campaign faced obstacles, including military intervention, but his dedication to driving political innovation never wavered. His efforts in challenging Ghana’s entrenched political norms reflect the possibilities for grassroots movements like Black by God in West Virginia, where we, too, can disrupt the status quo and foster transformative change.

What’s Next for BBG?

This exploration in Ghana is part of a broader initiative at BBG. Along with our upcoming “Man on the Street” series (sneak peek here) and cooking videos, our BBG Ghana channel is starting to bloom.

Meet the young Ghanaians making it happen:

Cyrus Oheneba IG:@oheneba_kay, Tiktok:@Ohenebacyrus

Isabella Etornam Gagblezu IG:@isabella_etor, Tiktok, Facebook, twitter:s

Read more about my trip to Ghana and the discovery of the #TheNewForce campaign.

---