Cheddar's Oxford No 1 Hotel Fights Back: Appeal Filed Against Court Receiver Order
Accra, Ghana – The management of Oxford No. 1 Hotel, owned by entrepreneur and New Force leader Nana Kwame Bediako (popularly known as Cheddar), has firmly rejected reports that a court-appointed receiver has taken over the property. In a bold move that underscores the resilience of Ghanaian business, the hotel's owners have filed an appeal and vowed to keep the doors open.
In a press release issued on July 23, 2026, Kensington Residential Partners 1 Limited (KRP1 Ltd), the company that owns and operates the hotel on Oxford Street, described recent media reports as misleading. The company insists it remains in full possession and control of the facility, which has become a landmark of Accra's hospitality scene.
What is the dispute about?
The legal battle stems from a disagreement between the hotel's two equal shareholders: Nana Kwame Bediako and Azad Cola. According to KRP1 Ltd, the hotel was developed using shareholder capital and financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the hotel struggled to service the IFC loan, prompting discussions to restructure the debt.
Management claims that Azad Cola, through his company Cola Holdings Ltd, informed KRP1 Ltd that he had personally repaid the IFC facility. However, KRP1 Ltd argues that Cola, as a director, had a fiduciary duty to obtain company approval before doing so. The company also says Cola has not provided proof that the loan was actually repaid.
Court order and appeal: What happens next?
On July 21, 2026, the High Court in Accra granted Cola Holdings Ltd a warrant to appoint a receiver, Nii Amanor Dodoo, to take possession of the hotel. The court also authorized police assistance after a seven-day waiting period. But KRP1 Ltd is not backing down.
“The order does not take immediate effect. The seven-day period has not yet expired, and we have instructed our legal team to appeal,” the company stated. The team, led by lawyers Bobby Banson and Isaac Akerefie-Mensah, is also filing applications to prevent Cola Holdings from taking possession until the appeal is heard.
KRP1 Ltd noted that two earlier applications by Cola Holdings were dismissed by the High Court, and those rulings are also under appeal. The company argues that Cola Holdings is trying to recover the same debt twice — once from KRP1 Ltd and once from Bediako personally — which it calls “unjust enrichment.”
Why this matters for Ghana's business landscape
This case is a classic example of the growing pains in Ghana's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Oxford No. 1 Hotel is not just a business; it is a symbol of the ambition and innovation driving Africa's new generation of entrepreneurs. Cheddar, known for his bold vision and outspoken style, has become a rallying figure for youth and diaspora alike.
The dispute also highlights the importance of clear shareholder agreements and transparent debt management. For Ghana's business community, the outcome could set a precedent for how similar conflicts are resolved under the Borrowers and Lenders Act, 2020 (Act 1052).
What are the key takeaways for investors and entrepreneurs?
- Legal processes take time: Even with a court order, enforcement is not immediate. The seven-day waiting period gives room for appeals.
- Shareholder disputes can escalate: Clear agreements and communication are essential to avoid costly legal battles.
- Ghana's courts are active: The judiciary is handling complex commercial cases, which is a positive sign for rule of law.
- Resilience is key: Despite the pandemic and legal hurdles, the hotel remains open for business.
Frequently asked questions about the Oxford No 1 Hotel case
Is the hotel closed or under new management?
No. Management insists the hotel remains open and under the control of KRP1 Ltd. The receiver has not taken possession, and the appeal process is ongoing.
Who is Nana Kwame Bediako (Cheddar)?
He is a Ghanaian entrepreneur and the founder of the New Force political movement. He is also a director of KRP1 Ltd, the company that owns Oxford No. 1 Hotel.
What role did the IFC play?
The International Finance Corporation provided financing for the hotel's construction. The loan became difficult to service after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations.
What happens if the appeal fails?
If the appeal is unsuccessful, the receiver could eventually take possession. However, KRP1 Ltd has vowed to exhaust all legal options to protect the property.
For now, Oxford No. 1 Hotel continues to welcome guests. As Cheddar would say: this is not the end of the story. It is just another chapter in Ghana's journey toward economic independence and entrepreneurial excellence.