A bronze statue of Ghana’s former President Nana Akufo-Addo, unveiled in November 2024 at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi, has been destroyed.
Images circulated by local media on Monday showed the statue in ruins, with its severed head and damaged torso lying near the shattered pedestal.
The statue’s unveiling last year by Akufo-Addo himself sparked criticism, with many Ghanaians accusing him of “self-glorification.” The statue was initially intended to honor the former president’s developmental initiatives, but public backlash was swift, particularly amid the country’s economic struggles. 
Partial Vandalism Preceded Total Destruction
The statue had already been partially vandalized last month, with one leg damaged. Local authorities had promised to repair it despite calls from some residents for its removal.
On Monday, however, it was found completely destroyed, leaving mixed sentiments among locals.
Public Reactions Highlight Divisions
Reactions to the destruction have varied. Some residents celebrated the statue’s removal, arguing that it served no tangible benefit to the community. A local told Citi FM, “It was of no benefit, so if it’s destroyed, it’s normal.” Others lamented the act, calling for a more civil approach.
Criticism of the statue’s unveiling extended beyond the vandalism. Critics questioned the decision to fund the statue amid economic hardships. Ghana has been grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades and received a $3 billion IMF bailout last year.
Political Ramifications and Public Sentiment
The statue’s destruction comes shortly after Akufo-Addo stepped down as president following two terms in office. His party’s candidate suffered a heavy defeat in December’s presidential election, largely attributed to public discontent over the cost-of-living crisis.
President John Mahama, who won the election by a landslide, had previously criticized the statue, stating that honoring a president should be the people’s decision and not a self-initiated project. He called the statue insensitive, given the economic struggles facing the nation.
The incident has reignited discussions about governance, public accountability, and the appropriate use of public funds.
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