President Nana Akufo-Addo’s statue, which was vandalized at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital Roundabout in Sekondi, Western Region, has been successfully repaired. The incident occurred on Monday, 16 December, when unknown persons damaged the statue, causing a gaping hole in its left calf and removing the plaque. This act of vandalism sparked mixed reactions from the public and prompted the Ghana Police Service to launch an investigation to identify the culprits.
A recent video shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) showcased the repaired statue, restoring it to its prestigious status. The monument, located at the yet-to-be-completed Effia-Nkwanta Roundabout, was unveiled during President Akufo-Addo’s “Thank You Tour” in the region on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.
During the unveiling ceremony, President Akufo-Addo highlighted his administration’s achievements, stating that around 80% of his campaign promises had been fulfilled. He urged Ghanaians to support the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, in the upcoming 2024 elections, emphasizing the Free Senior High School (SHS) program as his legacy.
Despite the President’s intentions, the statue sparked controversy nationwide, with many criticizing it as a self-glorifying move. Opposition NDC’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, described the decision to erect the monument as “shocking,” suggesting that President Akufo-Addo was disconnected from the challenges facing Ghanaians.
Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah defended the statue, emphasizing that it honored President Akufo-Addo’s contributions to the region. He highlighted key projects such as the rehabilitation of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, the construction of a three-tier Sinohydro interchange, and the redevelopment of Takoradi Market Circle.
The video of the statue’s repair showcased the sculptor successfully fixing the damage to its left leg, restoring it to its former glory. The repaired statue serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving public monuments and honoring the contributions of political leaders.
