Leader of The New Force Movement and well-known figure in Ghanaian business circles, Nana Kwame Bediako, is currently mired in controversy after making the audacious pledge to extend the sea from Ghana’s coast into the landlocked Ashanti Region of the nation.
Known as Cheddar, Nana Kwame Bediako, who is adored by many as “Freedom Jacob Caesar” or just “Cheddar,” has generated a lot of discussion, with some doubting the viability and usefulness of his pledge.
Bediako described his ambitious plan in an interview with Kojo Marfo on Abusua 96.5 FM in Kumasi. He drew inspiration from the revolutionary experiences of other countries that have extended maritime transport routes inland. He remarked, “Why are we still transporting individual containers by road when the sea could offer a faster and more efficient means?” Bediako enquired, pointing out the flaws in the present transport infrastructure. He lamented, “I want to open up the East and Western Corridor infrastructure. I want to build power stations, and energy stations, connect the gas, create industries, and bring technology.”
Bediako’s plan goes beyond simple logistics of transportation. His vision calls for a thorough reconstruction of Ghana’s infrastructure, with a focus on the Eastern and Western Corridors. This covers the construction of gas connections, power plants, energy facilities, industrial complexes, and the incorporation of state-of-the-art technologies.
Additionally, Bediako challenges Ghana to utilise its abundant resources for the production of electronic devices using locally sourced materials like plastic and lithium. He also advocates for a shift towards value addition and local manufacturing.
On the other hand, there is widespread doubt about Bediako’s proposal’s viability. Many raise concerns about the financial, environmental, and technical difficulties in extending the sea into the Ashanti Region. Opponents claim that this kind of project would need enormous planning, enormous investment, and possibly negative ecological effects.
Known as a “listening tour,” Bediako is currently touring the country in order to interact with common Ghanaians and incorporate their suggestions into his platform for the next national election.
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