Takoradi, Western Region – A portion of the statue of President Nana Akufo-Addo, located at the entrance of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi-Takoradi, has been discovered damaged.
The incident, which occurred on the morning of December 16, 2024, has raised questions about whether the damage was intentional or a result of a structural flaw.
The statue, unveiled by President Akufo-Addo during his tour of the region in the lead-up to the general elections, was intended to commemorate key infrastructure projects initiated under his administration.
These projects include the rehabilitation of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, the construction of the 3-tier Sinohydro interchange, and the Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment.
According to Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, the statue was meant to honour the President’s contributions to the region, symbolising the development and transformation brought about by his government.
However, the discovery of damage to one of the statue’s legs has stirred controversy among residents, some of whom have openly opposed the statue.
A noticeable gaping hole was found at the back of one of the statue’s legs, and it remains unclear whether the damage was the result of deliberate vandalism or a flaw in the statue’s construction.
Doris Arhin, a local resident, expressed her surprise over the damage, stating, “I am very surprised. This was done so the president could be remembered. I am surprised one of its legs is broken, but I haven’t seen anyone say he or she intends to destroy it.”
Another resident, Esther Anosi, attributed the damage to possible construction defects, suggesting that the statue may have been built too quickly.
“I am of the opinion that the statue was done in a rush, amounting to its defects, because they were supposed to use two months, but they used two weeks. I think the authorities had a good reason for making this statue,” Anosi said.
The rushed construction timeline for the statue, from the initially planned two months to just two weeks, has been a point of contention, with some suggesting that this haste contributed to the current damage.
The unveiling of the statue has been a subject of debate in the region, with some residents voicing their opposition to the monument. Prior to the statue’s installation, a number of Takoradi residents had vowed to bring it down, reflecting the deep political divisions that exist in the area. While some view the statue as a symbol of the President’s achievements, others see it as a political tool to cement his legacy ahead of the elections.
The discovery of the damage to the statue has reignited these tensions, leaving many to wonder whether the damage is the work of those opposed to Akufo-Addo’s leadership or simply the result of shoddy craftsmanship.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the damage to the statue, but it remains uncertain whether it was caused by deliberate action or a structural fault. Police and local officials have yet to provide an official statement regarding the incident.
The investigation will likely play a significant role in determining whether the statue will be repaired or replaced and how the local community will respond moving forward.
As the investigation continues, the damaged statue has become a symbol of the ongoing political divide in Takoradi, with the public’s response reflecting the varying opinions on President Akufo-Addo’s administration and its impact on the region.
Whether the statue will remain a point of pride for some or a symbol of division for others remains to be seen, but for now, it stands as a reminder of the complex and often contentious nature of political monuments in Ghana.