The statue of former Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, prominently displayed at the Effia Nkwanta roundabout in Sekondi-Takoradi, has been vandalized under mysterious circumstances, sparking widespread reactions and debates across the nation.
The life-sized bronze statue, unveiled in November 2024 to honor the former president, was found severely damaged, with its head severed and the pedestal visibly cracked and scratched.
Images from the scene captured the statue’s irreparable state. In one photo, the severed head of the statue lay face-up on the ground, while another showed the torso dislodged and leaning against the broken pedestal.
The destruction appears deliberate and forceful, leaving many questioning the motives behind such an act.
A plaque on the pedestal read: “Thank you from Western Region. H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana. 6th November 2024.”
The statue had been controversial since its installation. Many residents in Sekondi-Takoradi were dissatisfied with its placement at the Effia Nkwanta roundabout, especially given the poor state of the surrounding roads.
Calls to have it removed had been made even before this incident, with some locals arguing that the funds used for the statue could have been redirected toward fixing critical infrastructure.
The vandalism, while condemned by many, has also drawn mixed reactions from Ghanaians. Some expressed outright anger over the incident, seeing it as a reflection of misplaced priorities.
One resident remarked, “There was no benefit to the statue anyway, so if it’s destroyed, it’s normal.” Another added, “I think there should be a proper, civil way to get it removed. This is just embarrassing.”
Others have called for the statue to be reconstructed, viewing the vandalism as senseless and destructive.
“Left to me, the statue should be rebuilt. It did nothing to anyone, and destroying it won’t bring any positive change,” one commentator noted.
However, many have interpreted the act as a reflection of the public’s frustrations with governance. Residents have long criticized the decision to erect the statue, arguing that it symbolized misplaced priorities.
“The roads in the area are in terrible shape, yet this statue was erected. What did they expect from the people?” asked a resident of Sekondi-Takoradi.
The unveiling of the statue in November 2024 was intended to honor Nana Akufo-Addo’s contributions to the Western Region during his tenure as president.
While some hailed it as a fitting tribute, others viewed it as unnecessary, given the pressing developmental needs of the region.
Security officials have confirmed the incident and launched an investigation, though no suspects have been identified so far.
Authorities have appealed to the public for information that could help uncover those responsible for the act.
This is how angry Ghanaians reacted on the vandalization of the statue of Former President Nana Akufo-Addo🤣😭
Nah Takoradi people are angry
Thread 🧵 pic.twitter.com/PaupHW2p1q
— Dr Sneaker Nyame (@SneakerNyame_) January 13, 2025
