Statue of Former Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo Destroyed Amid Controversy

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A statue of Ghana’s former president, Nana Akufo-Addo, unveiled late last year, has been found in ruins, sparking debate across the nation. The sculpture, installed in Ghana’s Western Region to commemorate the former president’s development initiatives, faced criticism from the outset.

Unveiled by Akufo-Addo himself in November, the statue drew widespread backlash on social media, with many accusing him of self-glorification during a period of national economic hardship. Its destruction, discovered on Monday, leaves only a damaged pedestal, with the severed head and torso lying in the debris.

While the motives behind the vandalism remain unclear, local authorities have not yet commented on the incident. The statue, constructed with a combination of metal, wire mesh, clay, fiberglass, and resin, had already been partially vandalized last month when one leg was damaged. At the time, local authorities pledged to repair it, despite calls from residents to have it removed entirely.Statue of Former Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo Destroyed Amid Controversy

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The destruction has elicited polarized reactions. Some residents view it as justified, given their disapproval of the statue’s purpose. One individual told Citi FM, “It was of no benefit to us. If it’s destroyed, it’s normal.”

Others, however, expressed regret over the vandalism, suggesting there could have been a more civil approach to addressing grievances. A local resident noted, “This action could have negative consequences for supporters of the former president’s party.”

Some critics had questioned the use of public funds for the statue, especially during Ghana’s severe economic downturn. The country has been grappling with its worst financial crisis in a generation, receiving a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year.

President John Mahama, who recently assumed office after a landslide victory, had previously criticized the erection of the statue, calling it insensitive to the struggles of ordinary Ghanaians. He argued that it should be up to the people, not the government, to honor former leaders for their achievements.

The statue’s unveiling and subsequent destruction have further highlighted divisions within Ghana, particularly concerning how public resources are allocated during challenging economic times.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities have yet to announce whether the statue will be restored or permanently removed.

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