A developing situation has emerged in Sekondi-Takoradi, where part of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s statue, located in front of the Effia-Nkwanta Hospital, has been found damaged.
On Monday, December 16, 2024, a noticeable gaping hole was discovered at the back of one of the statue’s legs. While the cause remains unclear, some speculate that the damage could be the result of deliberate vandalism, reflecting earlier threats by some residents to bring down the statue. Others suggest it might simply be a structural defect.
Channel One TV News engaged residents of Sekondi-Takoradi to gather their views on the incident. Reactions have been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the potential act of vandalism, while others supported calls for the statue’s removal, citing dissatisfaction with Akufo-Addo’s legacy.
Local authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the damage or the next steps to address the situation.
“I am very surprised. This was done so the president could be remembered. I am really surprised one of its legs is broken but I haven’t seen anyone who intends to destroy it,” Doris Arhin, a resident stated.
“I believe that the statue was done in a rush amounting to its developing 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,” another resident, Esther Anosi said.
President Nana Akufo-Addo unveiled the statue of himself at the entrance of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi, during his tour of the Western Region ahead of the elections.
Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah explained that the statue was erected to honour several key projects initiated under Akufo-Addo’s administration in the region, including the rehabilitation of Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, the construction of the 3-tier Sinohydro interchange, and the Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment.
