Ghana/ Backlash over President Akufo-Addo’s statue unveiling sparks controversy in Ghana

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo is facing criticism following the unveiling of a statue in his honor outside the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi, located in the country’s Western Region.

The statue, intended to commemorate the development projects launched under his administration, was revealed during Akufo-Addo’s “thank-you tour” as he prepares to leave office in January after two terms.

The statue’s unveiling, however, has ignited backlash on social media, with many Ghanaians viewing it as an act of “self-glorification” amid ongoing, unfinished projects across the country.

Opposition MP Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah voiced the public sentiment on social media, stating, “The people of the Western Region deserve better than these self-serving displays.”

Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Region minister, praised Akufo-Addo’s contributions during the ceremony, citing key projects as evidence of the president’s impact.

Akufo-Addo himself claims to have fulfilled 80% of his promises to Ghanaians, but many citizens remain skeptical, questioning the timing and necessity of the monument.

Critics argue that it would be more meaningful for Akufo-Addo’s legacy to be recognized by future generations rather than through self-erected tributes.

Photos of the statue have gone viral, with some Ghanaians calling for its removal once the president leaves office, highlighting a broader frustration over unmet expectations and lingering developmental needs.