The controversial statue of Ghana’s immediate past President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has been destroyed, sparking a wave of reactions across the country.
The statue, unveiled in November in the Western Region to honor Akufo-Addo’s development initiatives, had faced heavy criticism since its installation.
Many citizens and critics derided the move as an act of “self-glorification” amid widespread economic challenges.
Images circulating in the media on Monday showed the statue in ruins, its severed head lying on the ground. The torso was also destroyed, leaving behind only a damaged pedestal.
Statue of Former President Nana Akufo-Addo vandalized again. pic.twitter.com/Wza6abQu2m
— Serwaa Amihere (@Serwaa_Amihere) January 13, 2025
The motives behind the destruction remain unclear, with police yet to comment on the incident.
This is not the first time the statue had been targeted; one of its legs was partially vandalized last month. Despite local authorities pledging to repair it, the statue has now been completely reduced to rubble.
Mixed Reactions
The destruction has elicited divided opinions from residents and commentators. Some see it as an inevitable outcome, reflecting public frustration, while others have condemned the act as uncivil.
One resident expressed indifference, telling Citi FM, “It was of no benefit to the people, so if it’s destroyed, it’s normal.”
In contrast, another resident lamented the method, suggesting, “There should have been a proper, civil way to get it removed. Actions like this could have negative consequences for supporters of his party.”
However, not all reactions were tempered. Joy FM quoted an individual celebrating the act, stating, “I’m happy it’s been destroyed.”
Backlash Since Unveiling
The statue’s unveiling in November came amid a dire economic situation in Ghana, drawing sharp criticism from citizens. The country has been grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, culminating in a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year.
Critics questioned the use of public funds for the statue, labeling it tone-deaf as Ghanaians struggled with rising living costs. President John Mahama, who defeated Akufo-Addo’s party in a landslide victory last month, had previously criticized the statue as insensitive.
“It is up to the people to honor a leader for their achievements,” Mahama said, emphasizing that such projects were ill-timed.
Source: Africafeeds.com
