An uproar has erupted across Ghana after President Nana Akufo-Addo unveiled a statue of himself in the Western Region, a move that has sparked widespread criticism among citizens and political figures alike.
The 80-year-old president revealed the statue during a “thank-you tour” of the region on Wednesday. Standing prominently in front of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi, the statue is meant to honor Akufo-Addo’s development initiatives during his time in office, according to Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the region’s minister.
However, the monument, rather than receiving praise, has ignited outrage among many Ghanaians, who see it as an act of excessive self-glorification. The timing of the statue’s unveiling, just months before Akufo-Addo steps down after completing two terms as president, has fueled further anger.
“It is an extravagant display of self-aggrandizement at a time when the people of the Western Region have been neglected,” said Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, a Member of Parliament from the opposition party. “The region has pressing needs that remain unaddressed, yet the president chooses to erect a statue of himself. This is a misplaced priority.”
As the photos of the statue quickly spread on social media, many Ghanaians mocked the monument, calling it a symbol of Akufo-Addo’s vanity. The president, who has claimed to fulfill 80% of his campaign promises, has faced growing skepticism about his legacy, especially as several key projects remain unfinished.
“Why not let history judge his contributions?” one user posted on X. “Instead of celebrating himself now, he should have allowed his work to speak for itself.”
Akufo-Addo’s administration has often touted its accomplishments, including the abolition of secondary school fees, a policy the president highlighted during his tour of the Western Region. However, critics argue that the government’s promises have not been fully delivered, and many infrastructural projects remain incomplete or underfunded.
While the unveiling of the statue was meant to showcase the president’s successes, it has only added fuel to the ongoing debate about his leadership and the priorities of his government.
A number of Ghanaians have even called for the statue to be taken down after Akufo-Addo leaves office in January 2025, with some insisting that the monument serves only to glorify the president’s image rather than honor real achievements.
“Let the people decide whether the president’s work truly deserves such a monument,” another X user commented. “Instead of honoring himself, Akufo-Addo should focus on the needs of the people and leave behind a legacy that speaks for itself.”
Despite the backlash, Akufo-Addo has remained resolute in his defense of the statue. During his tour, the president emphasized his government’s efforts to abolish secondary school fees, a policy he believes will be one of the most lasting impacts of his leadership. He also used the opportunity to rally support for his vice president, Mahamudu Bawumia, who is set to be the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate in the upcoming general election.
Akufo-Addo urged voters in the region to support Bawumia, promising that a vote for the vice president would ensure the continuation of his policies and development projects.
“We have done so much for this country, and Bawumia will continue this work,” Akufo-Addo said, despite the growing criticisms of his administration. “The future of Ghana depends on sustaining the progress we’ve made.”
However, many Ghanaians have raised concerns that the president’s focus on self-celebration undermines the real issues the country faces, such as unemployment, education, and healthcare. With Ghana’s general election just around the corner, Akufo-Addo’s unveiling of the statue has added a layer of controversy to his party’s campaign efforts.
The NPP, which has faced challenges in recent years, including economic struggles and widespread public dissatisfaction, now finds itself dealing with the fallout from the president’s self-commemoration. Critics argue that Akufo-Addo’s administration has failed to address the country’s most pressing problems, and the statue has only served to further alienate the public.
“It’s a slap in the face to the people of the Western Region,” said another citizen. “Instead of focusing on the issues that matter, he chooses to build a monument to himself.”
The political storm surrounding the statue has overshadowed some of the president’s other achievements, such as his government’s focus on infrastructural development and educational reforms. Despite his claims of success, Akufo-Addo’s critics argue that the statue represents a disconnect between the government’s narrative of progress and the realities faced by ordinary Ghanaians.
