Nana Kwame Bediako, commonly known as Cheddar, or Freedom Jacob Caesar inspires goals, creativity, and philanthropy in Ghana and beyond. Cheddar is a self-made millionaire and a visionary entrepreneur, industrialist, real estate mogul, and humanitarian. He is the founder of the New African Foundation, an organization committed to supporting the less fortunate, and the leader of the New Force, a new political movement aimed at changing the political game in Ghana. He also leads the Freedom Movement, an inspiring initiative for African empowerment and unity.
Born on February 13, 1980, in Akim Oda in Ghana’s Eastern Region, Cheddar’s rise from a low-income background to global success is awe-inspiring. He spent his early years growing up in Asokwa, a town in Kumasi, and then later settled in Accra. He attributes his drive to his upbringing with his mother, who was broke, not his financially secure father. At an early age, he exhibited his entrepreneurial spirit by turning a small amount of money into a lucrative poultry business selling eggs to feed his family.
Schooling and Early Hustle
Cheddar began his education at Accra Academy and finished at Apam Senior High School. He then took to the UK to study at Waltham Forest College and at the University of Westminster in London, but he always balanced his studies with his entrepreneurial concerns. Cheddar was still studying in the UK when he began selling clothes that were given to him by a friend. With the money he earned from selling clothes, Cheddar purchased his first car at the age of 16. This car was the beginning of his next business, selling scrap metal. He developed an eye for seeing opportunity and was able to set up a scrap business, which led to him earning money and his first big opportunity.
Creating an Empire: Scraps to Real Estate
Cheddar really began to gain momentum in building his business when he established Global Telecommunications and Utilities, a telecommunications firm based in the UK. Cheddar was only 21 when he sold the company for £410,000, part of his first million-pound exit.
In 2001, Cheddar returned to Ghana to establish himself in the nightlife scene and opened Temptations nightclub in Osu, but his true passion rested with real estate. He founded Wonda World Estates, which outlined the trajectory of his real estate empire. The first project he undertook was Avenue Lincoln, a gated residential community within North Ridge, Accra, which led to a range of trailblazing developments such as
* No. 1 Oxford Street: A $44 million luxury hotel and residential development in Osu.
* Kwarleyz Residence: A 5-star apartment suite to honor his mother, located in the Airport Residential Area of Accra.
* Bel Air Crest: A 29-unit high-end apartment complex located in Cantonments, Accra. * Belgravia Townhouses: A distinct property consisting of 8 townhouses in the Airport Residential Area. Cheddar is developing a few projects like Petronia City and Double W and doing joint ventures with global brands like Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott to create luxury lifestyles in Ghana and Africa.
Personal life and charity work
Cheddar has been married to Ruby Bediako, a Ghanaian woman, since he was 23 years old; they have 4 sons, including Goddy Bediako and Lincoln Bediako. Cheddar is publicly known for specializing in public affirmations for his wife by publicly gifting her things such as luxury cars (including a Porsche Panamera and two Land Cruisers) and a mansion.
Besides business, Cheddar takes philanthropy very seriously. He has given food, water, health care, housing and startup capital to many through the New African Foundation. Cheddar is an immensely popular public figure for his commitment to supporting the youth and the less privileged.
Awards and Worthy Recognition
Cheddar’s impact on business and society has gained him much recognition,including several awards, such as:
* GUBA Award (Grow United Build Africa)
* Forbes Award
* EMY Africa Award
* International awards in Dubai and other locations
Lifestyle and Worth
Cheddar’s lifestyle reflects his wealth! He has many luxury cars, which include a Rolls Royce, a Lamborghini Aventador (the same one owned by Cristiano Ronaldo), a bulletproof Rezvani Tank, and a Mercedes Maybach. To be clear, Cheddar’s $7 million mansion in Bel Air, California, was likely inspired by the Versace building in Italy in terms of design.
Cheddar has an estimated net worth of $300 million while he continues to accelerate his influence in several different areas and countries.
FAQs about Cheddar
* How old is Cheddar?
He is 44 years old as of 2024.
* Where is Cheddar from?
He is from Asokwa in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
* What is Cheddar’s real name?
His real name is Nana Kwame Bediako.
My Final Thoughts
Cheddar’s journey is a wonderful reminder that wealth or success is not merely the accumulation of wealth, but rather the vision, mind and tenacity it takes to produce wealth while maintaining the wherewithal to lift others up and/orgive back. From selling eggs as a child to developing a real estate empire, Nana Kwame Bediako’s journey is about excellence and innovation, which should inspire any young African to dream, work hard, and give back to their community.
