A statue of Ghana’s former President Nana Akufo-Addo, unveiled in November to honour his development efforts, has been destroyed.
The monument, located in the Western Region, faced public backlash after its unveiling, with critics labelling it an act of “self-glorification.”
On Monday, local media shared images of the damaged statue, showing its severed head lying on the ground.
The torso was also damaged, leaving only the pedestal intact. The identity and motives of those responsible remain unknown, as police have yet to comment.
The statue had been partially vandalised last month, with one leg damaged. Local authorities pledged to repair it, despite some residents calling for its removal.
Reactions to the destruction have been mixed. Some condemned the act, calling for more civil means to address grievances. Others supported its destruction, questioning its relevance amidst the country’s economic challenges.
Critics had previously raised concerns about the statue’s cost, especially as Ghana grapples with its worst economic crisis in decades. The country received a $3bn (£2.5bn) IMF bailout last year.
President John Mahama, who defeated Akufo-Addo’s party in last month’s election, criticised the statue as insensitive, arguing it should be up to the people, not the government, to honour leaders.
