By GhanaNewsPage 
Unknown individuals have vandalized President Akufo-Addo’s statue at the Effia-Nkwanta roundabout in Sekondi. The incident occurred shortly after the 2024 general elections, which resulted in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) losing power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This act of vandalism adds to a growing list of politically motivated attacks that have emerged in the aftermath of the elections.
The Vandalism Incident
A video report by a Skyy Power journalist revealed that the statue’s left leg had been caved in, creating a noticeable gaping hole in its calf. Despite the damage, the statue remains upright, symbolizing resilience but also reflecting the rising tensions in the political landscape. Authorities have yet to identify those responsible for the act, leaving many questions unanswered about the motivations and broader implications of this incident.
Background of the Statue
President Akufo-Addo’s statue was unveiled on November 9, 2024, during a one-day “thank you” tour of the Western Region. The unveiling ceremony was part of the president’s effort to acknowledge and celebrate his contributions to the region during his tenure. Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah stated that the statue was meant to honor the president’s initiatives in the area, including the rehabilitation of Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, the construction of a 3-tier Sinohydro interchange, and the redevelopment of the Takoradi Market Circle. However, it was noted that several of these projects remain incomplete, with some even halted.
The statue’s unveiling sparked a significant amount of public discourse. While some Ghanaians lauded the gesture as a tribute to the president’s achievements, others criticized it as an act of vanity. Photos of the statue quickly went viral online, with many using the images to either praise or condemn the initiative. Critics argued that the resources used for the statue could have been better allocated to complete the unfinished projects in the region.
Unknown persons damage part of Akufo-Addo’s statue. Source: Getty Images
Political Reactions
The unveiling of the statue also drew sharp criticism from prominent political figures, including John Mahama, the NDC presidential candidate and now president-elect. Speaking to his supporters, Mahama accused President Akufo-Addo of self-aggrandizement. “You must let others praise you instead of praising yourself,” he remarked, suggesting that the statue was an unnecessary symbol of ego rather than a genuine recognition of service.
The controversy surrounding the statue did not end there. Richard Kirk-Mensah, the Western Region Communications Director of the NDC, vowed to have the statue removed. He asserted that President Akufo-Addo’s contributions did not merit such a monument, particularly given the incomplete state of many of his promised projects. “The statue is an unwarranted celebration of mediocrity,” Kirk-Mensah stated, emphasizing that the NDC’s focus would be on addressing the pressing needs of the region rather than erecting monuments.
The vandalism of the statue is not an isolated incident but rather part of a larger pattern of post-election unrest. Following the NPP’s defeat, several acts of vandalism and protests have been reported across the country. These events highlight the deep divisions within Ghana’s political landscape and raise concerns about the need for unity and reconciliation.
Experts have pointed out that the statue’s destruction may symbolize public frustration with political leadership and unmet promises. The Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, for instance, remains partially completed, leaving many residents without access to the improved healthcare services they were promised. Similarly, the stalled Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment has disrupted the livelihoods of countless traders who relied on the market for their daily income.
In response to the vandalism, some civic groups and community leaders have called for calm and urged authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly. They emphasize the need to address the root causes of such actions, including political disillusionment and unmet developmental needs. Additionally, they have called on political leaders to tone down inflammatory rhetoric and work towards fostering unity in the wake of a highly contentious election.
The vandalism also raises questions about the broader role of monuments in Ghana’s socio-political context. While statues and other memorials can serve as symbols of national pride and achievement, they can also become focal points for dissent and frustration, particularly when erected in the midst of unfulfilled promises. Moving forward, it may be necessary for future administrations to carefully consider the implications of such gestures and ensure they align with the broader needs and sentiments of the population.
The vandalism of President Akufo-Addo’s statue at the Effia-Nkwanta roundabout underscores the complex interplay between politics, public sentiment, and governance in Ghana. While the statue was intended to celebrate the president’s achievements, it has instead become a lightning rod for criticism and controversy. As the nation transitions to a new government, there is an urgent need for leaders to address the underlying issues that have fueled these tensions. By focusing on completing key developmental projects and fostering a spirit of inclusivity, Ghana can move beyond the divisive politics of the past and build a more united and prosperous future.
Watch : Akufo Addo’s Statue was vandalized by unknown person
Akufo Addo’s Statue