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Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has criticised the practice of erecting statues in one’s honour while still alive, describing it as inadvisable and contrary to the principles of good leadership.
Addressing Ghanaian communities in Cote d’Ivoire during a diplomatic visit last week, Bagbin’s remarks were directed at the ongoing controversy surrounding the statue of former President Nana Akufo-Addo in Takoradi.
The statue, unveiled in November 2024 as part of Akufo-Addo’s thank-you tour, was destroyed by unknown individuals on January 13, 2025, following public backlash.
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“When you are alive, it is not advisable to build a statue for yourself. Statues should be erected by those who admire your deeds after you are no more. Leadership is not about self-promotion but about inspiring others through humility and service,” Bagbin stated.
He also stressed that leaders have a responsibility to set examples for others to emulate, cautioning against decisions that may undermine public confidence in governance. “Leadership is to set the best example so that others will follow. We must do all we can to stop the moral decadence; it doesn’t help anyone for us to have a lawless society,” he remarked.
The unveiling of the Akufo-Addo statue drew widespread criticism, with many describing it as tone-deaf amidst the Western Region’s development challenges. Critics argued that the former president’s perceived minimal contributions to the region did not warrant such a gesture, leading to widespread public disapproval and the eventual destruction of the statue.
Bagbin’s comments have reignited discussions on leadership, legacy, and the importance of humility, reinforcing the idea that true recognition should be earned through service and granted by the people, not self-initiated gestures.
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