Nana Kwame Bediako, widely known as Freedom Jacob Caesar or Cheddar, stands as a prominent Ghanaian entrepreneur, real estate developer, philanthropist, and politician. He rose from modest roots to build a business empire and launched a bold presidential campaign in Ghana’s 2024 elections, finishing third.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Nana Kwame Bediako (aka Freedom Jacob Caesar, Cheddar) |
| Date of Birth | February 13, 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Asokwa, Kumasi, Ghana |
| Nationality | Ghanaian |
| State of Origin | Ashanti Region |
| Partner | Ruby Garshong Bediako |
| Children | 4 |
| Occupations | Entrepreneur, real estate developer, philanthropist, politician |
| Net Worth | $500M – $1.2B |
Early Life and Education
Born on February 13, 1980, in Asokwa, Kumasi, Ghana, Bediako grew up mainly under his mother Elizabeth Adjei’s care, a dedicated philanthropist, even as his father Samuel Kojo Bediako amassed wealth in commodities trading and oil.
He launched his first venture early with a poultry farm, funded by his father, while his brother pursued other paths.
Bediako completed secondary education at Apam Senior High School and Accra Academy, then pursued business studies at Waltham Forest College and the University of Westminster in the UK, supporting himself by selling clothes and scrap metal.
Career
Bediako established the Kwarleyz Group, a diverse enterprise covering real estate, energy, hospitality, and beyond, with standout projects like No. 1 Oxford Street, Kwarleyz Residences, Bel Air Crest, and the ambitious Petronia City.
Through Wonda World, he advanced residential and commercial developments, while the New Africa Foundation tackles social challenges via medical outreach, nutrition programs, and education initiatives.
Politically, he ignited the New Force Movement in 2023, ran independently in the 2024 elections, and claimed third place among 13 contenders.
Personal Life
Bediako shares his life with wife Ruby Garshong Bediako, and they raise four children together. He maintains strong family bonds, drawing from a childhood with a brother and lessons in grit from his father’s influence.
Net Worth
Bediako’s wealth stands at an estimated $500 million to $1.2 billion, fueled by real estate triumphs such as over 500 completed units and expansive Kwarleyz operations.
Controversies
Bediako faced scrutiny over the origins of his wealth, with public debates questioning how he amassed his fortune from modest beginnings, though he has consistently defended it as legitimate through real estate and business ventures.
His 2024 presidential bid drew criticism for its unconventional style, including the masked campaign launch, and accusations of vote-buying during rallies, which he denied.
Legal challenges arose around property developments, including disputes over land acquisitions for projects like Petronia City, alongside a January 2026 Accra High Court order enforcing a UK judgment for a GH₵258 million debt (US$14.9 million principal plus interest) to Cola Holdings Limited over an unpaid loan (Ghanaweb, Jan 22, 2026; Daily Graphic).
Awards and Recognitions
Bediako earned the Rising Star Award at Ghana’s 2018 EMY Awards, the Lifetime Africa Achievement Award for Entrepreneurship Excellence in 2016, Business Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2015 GUBA Awards UK, Young Entrepreneur of the Year via the 2015 Head of State Award Scheme, and Young Male Role Model of the Year from the Young Professionals and Youth Coalition in 2015.
