A statue of Ghana’s former president Nana Akufo-Addo, erected late last year, has been destroyed.
The statue, which Akufo-Addo unveiled himself in November in the Western Region of the country, had faced significant backlash on social media and was labeled by some as an act of “self-glorification.” The statue was intended to honor the development projects initiated during his presidency.
Images shared by local media on Monday revealed the statue in ruins, with the severed head lying on the ground. The torso was also destroyed, leaving behind only a damaged pedestal. Authorities have not identified the perpetrators or their motives, and the police have yet to issue a statement.
This was not the first instance of damage to the statue. Last month, it was partially vandalized, with one of its legs damaged. Some residents had previously called for its removal, but local officials had promised to repair it.
Reactions to the statue’s destruction have been mixed. While some residents expressed relief, others criticized the act, suggesting there were more appropriate ways to handle the situation.
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One resident told Citi FM that the statue “served no benefit” to the community, so its destruction was “normal.” Another called the act unfortunate, arguing for a “proper, civil way” to remove the statue, warning that such actions could harm the reputation of Akufo-Addo’s party. Joy FM quoted another resident who expressed happiness at the statue’s fate.
The unveiling of the statue last year had drawn criticism over the perceived misuse of public funds during a period of severe economic hardship in Ghana. The country is experiencing its worst economic crisis in decades and secured a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2022.
Rising living costs and economic struggles were key themes in the December presidential election, which saw Akufo-Addo’s party suffer a significant defeat. President John Mahama, who won the election by a wide margin, had previously criticized the statue’s erection. He argued that it was inappropriate given the economic challenges and stated that it should be up to the people to honor Akufo-Addo’s legacy.
The controversy over the statue reflects deeper frustrations in Ghana, where public sentiment remains deeply tied to the nation’s ongoing economic difficulties.