PICTORIAL: Days After Exit From Office, Ex-Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo’s Statue Destroyed
A statue of Ghana’s former president, Nana Akufo-Addo, unveiled in November 2024, has been destroyed, sparking debate among citizens.
Located in the Western Region, the statue was initially erected to honor the former president’s development initiatives during his tenure. However, it became the focal point of criticism, with many accusing Akufo-Addo of self-glorification amid the country’s ongoing economic struggles.
Images shared by local media on Monday showed the statue in ruins, with its severed head lying on the ground and the torso completely destroyed. Only a damaged pedestal remained standing. The motive and identity of those responsible for the act remain unclear, with police yet to issue an official statement.
Background of the Statue
The statue, sculpted by Justice Gaisie, was made from a mixture of metal, wire mesh, clay, fiberglass, and resin. However, it had already been partially vandalized last month, with one of its legs damaged. Calls from local residents to have the statue removed were ignored by authorities, who had pledged to repair it.
Public Reactions to the Destruction
The destruction of the statue elicited mixed reactions from the local community. One resident, speaking to Citi FM, stated that the statue had “no benefit” to the people, adding, “If it’s destroyed, it’s normal.” In contrast, another resident expressed regret, saying, “There should have been a proper, civil way to get it removed,” cautioning that the act could have negative consequences for supporters of Akufo-Addo’s political party.
Some residents, however, expressed satisfaction. One individual told Joy FM, “I’m happy it has been destroyed.”
Controversy Surrounding the Statue
The unveiling of the statue in 2024 had already sparked widespread criticism. Many questioned the use of public funds for its construction during one of Ghana’s worst economic crises in a generation. The country, which had received a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2024, was grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis, a central issue in the December presidential election.
Incumbent President John Mahama, who won the election in a landslide, had previously criticized the statue, calling it “insensitive” given the hardship faced by Ghanaians. “It is up to the people to honor the former president for his achievements,” Mahama remarked, adding that the statue represented a misplaced priority at a time when the nation was struggling.
Symbolic of a Divided Legacy
Akufo-Addo left office last week after serving two terms. His party’s candidate was decisively defeated in the December election, reflecting public dissatisfaction over the country’s economic challenges.
The destruction of the statue has now become symbolic of the public divide over Akufo-Addo’s legacy. For some, it represents a necessary protest against what they view as excesses during his presidency. For others, it is seen as a regrettable and disrespectful act.
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