Cheddar Explains Why He Wore A Mask

In an interview with Opemsuo Radio’s Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso, Nana Kwame Bediako, leader of the New Force Movement and independent presidential candidate, shed light on the symbolism behind his masked persona that was featured on billboards across the country.

His decision to don a mask during the initial stages of his campaign was not merely a matter of anonymity, but a deliberate homage to cultural heritage and historical legacy.

Cheddar recounted how, during wars around 900BC, warriors would conceal their faces with masks adorned with dots, emphasizing the importance of maintaining anonymity and unity on the battlefield.

“So I looked at my past what our forefathers used to do. I realised  that around 900BC, over thousand years ago, they didn’t show their faces during wars, with dots on their faces, if you are not careful, your mum may even stand right behind you and you may kill her because you can’t see.”

Reflecting on the removal of these masks by colonial forces, Bediako lamented the perceived loss of identity among Africans over the centuries leading to divisions such as “Black British” and “African Americans”.

The revelation of the leader of the New Force’s identity earlier this year put an end to speculations surrounding the masked figure featured on billboards nationwide in 2023.

Story by Adwoa S. Danso