The Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into the vandalism of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s statue located at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital Roundabout in Sekondi, Western Region.
In a statement released on Monday, 16 December, the police disclosed that preliminary findings indicate the statue’s left leg has been damaged, and its plaque removed.
The statement added that efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits and ensure they face justice.
The statue, situated at the uncompleted Effia-Nkwanta roundabout, was unveiled during President Akufo-Addo’s “Thank You Tour” in the region on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.
At the unveiling ceremony, President Akufo-Addo highlighted his administration’s achievements, claiming that about 80% of his campaign promises had been fulfilled. He also urged Ghanaians to support the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, in the 2024 elections, citing the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme as his legacy.
However, the statue sparked controversy nationwide, drawing criticism from various quarters. Many Ghanaians, including the opposition NDC’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, criticised it as a self-glorifying move. Mahama described the decision to erect the monument as “shocking” noting that the President was out of touch with the realities facing Ghanaians.
Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah defended the statue, stating that it commemorated President Akufo-Addo’s contributions to the region. He cited 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.
Meanwhile, the NPP’s Dr Mahamudu Bawumia proceeded to lose the December 7 presidential election by over 1.6 million votes.
