Ghana/ Controversial Akufo-Addo statue destroyed amid mixed reactions in the country
A statue of Ghana’s former President Nana Akufo-Addo, erected late last year in the Western Region, has been destroyed, sparking debate across the country. The statue, unveiled by Akufo-Addo himself in November 2024 to honor his development initiatives, had faced criticism and ridicule as a symbol of « self-glorification » during a time of economic hardship.
Images shared on Monday by local media show the statue’s head severed and its torso destroyed, leaving only a damaged pedestal.
While the identity and motive of those responsible remain unclear, the statue had been partially vandalized earlier, with one leg damaged.
Despite initial pledges by local authorities to repair it, the monument has now been completely demolished.
Public Reaction Divided
The destruction has elicited mixed reactions. Some residents, frustrated by the statue’s perceived insignificance, saw the act as justified. One local told Citi FM, “It was of no benefit to us, so if it’s destroyed, it’s normal.”
Others, however, condemned the destruction, calling for a more civil approach to addressing grievances.
Critics had earlier questioned the use of public funds for the statue amid Ghana’s severe economic crisis, which prompted a $3 billion bailout from the IMF.
President John Mahama, who recently won the election, had criticized the statue, calling it insensitive given the financial struggles faced by many Ghanaians.
