Outgoing Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo is receiving a wave of criticism on social media after revealing a statue of himself outside a regional hospital in Sekondi.
Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah said that the statue, unveiled during a “thank-you tour” in the Western Region, was intended to honour Akufo-Addo’s development initiatives throughout his two terms in office.
However, numerous Ghanaians perceive it as a self-serving act rather than a demonstration of public service, leading to considerable backlash online.
Opposition MP Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah condemned the statue, expressing on X that “the citizens of the Western Region deserve more than these self-indulgent exhibitions.”
Others shared similar views, questioning the statue’s relevance amidst the unfinished projects of the president’s agenda. One commentator noted that it “would have been commendable if the president had chosen to allow such acknowledgments to be made by future generations.”
Despite the controversy, some Ghanaians defended the statue, praising Akufo-Addo’s achievements, especially his signature free secondary education policy, which he has cited as his “most significant legacy.” Supporters regarded him as the architect of Ghana’s free education system, with one admirer commenting, “He is worthy of this tribute – the best president I’ve ever known.”
The tour also served as a platform for the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) campaign in anticipation of next month’s general election. Akufo-Addo encouraged voters to back Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s candidate, to ensure the continuation of his administration’s policies.
