- A statue of former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, unveiled last year, has been destroyed.
- The statue faced criticism for being a symbol of “self-glorification” amidst economic hardship.
- It had previously been vandalized, and calls for its removal went unheeded.
- Public opinion is divided over the statue’s destruction, with some residents condemning the act and others supporting it.
- Critics questioned the use of public funds for the statue during an economic crisis.
The Controversial Statue
A statue of Ghana’s immediate past President Nana Akufo-Addo, unveiled in November to commemorate his development initiatives, has been destroyed. Local media shared images of the ruined statue on Monday, showing its severed head and torso lying apart, with only a damaged pedestal remaining.
The statue, erected in Ghana’s Western Region, had been criticized for being insensitive amidst widespread economic struggles. Its unveiling sparked public backlash and was described by critics as an act of “self-glorification.”
Previous Damage and Calls for Removal
The statue had already been partially vandalized last month, with one leg damaged. Local authorities had pledged to repair it despite residents’ calls for its removal.
Some residents expressed satisfaction over the destruction, deeming the statue irrelevant and “of no benefit” to the community. Others condemned the act, arguing for a more civil approach to its removal to avoid political and social repercussions.
Economic Concerns and Political Context
Critics questioned the use of public funds for the statue at a time when Ghana was grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades. Last year, the country secured a $3 billion bailout from the IMF to address its economic challenges.
The cost-of-living crisis was a significant campaign issue in December’s presidential election, where President John Mahama defeated Akufo-Addo’s party in a landslide victory. Mahama had criticized the statue, stating that honoring a leader should come from the people, not self-initiated projects.
The destruction of Nana Akufo-Addo’s statue highlights the deep divide in public opinion about leadership legacies and the allocation of resources during economic hardships. While some view it as a justified response to misplaced priorities, others see it as an unfortunate act of disrespect. The incident underscores the broader frustrations of Ghanaians amid ongoing economic struggles.
