Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo Faces Backlash After Unveiling Self-Statue During Farewell Tour

Ghana’s outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, currently on a farewell tour in the country’s Western Region, faces backlash on social media after unveiling a statue of himself outside the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi.

Akufo-Addo, who will step down in January after two terms in office, celebrated his achievements at the unveiling, asserting that he had fulfilled 80% of his promises to the Ghanaian people.

The monument’s unveiling, part of what has been dubbed a “thank-you tour,” has split public opinion in Ghana.

The people of the Western Region deserve better than these self-serving displays, opposition MP Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah posted on X.

While some supporters view the statue as a fitting tribute to Akufo-Addo’s contributions, particularly his widely-praised policy to eliminate fees for secondary education, others argue it’s premature.

Social media critics questioned the appropriateness of the statue, citing incomplete projects across the country.

It would be admirable if the president had allowed posterity to recognise and appreciate his work, posted an X.

The statue, which has gone viral on social media, has even prompted calls from some citizens for it to be removed after Akufo-Addo leaves office.

However, not all Ghanaians are sharing the same sentiment. “He is very deserving of this exquisite monument. The greatest president I’ve ever had. You will be missed by Ghanaians,” wrote a user on X, hailing Akufo-Addo as the “founder of Ghana’s free education system.”

Akufo-Addo took the opportunity of his tour to rally support for his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and its candidate in the upcoming presidential election, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia.

Addressing Western Region residents, Akufo-Addo endorsed Bawumia as his successor, asserting that his victory would ensure the continuation of the NPP’s policies.

Bawumia is set to face a strong challenge from former President John Dramani Mahama, representing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), in next month’s election.

Read Also:

• Ghana: The Impact of Galamsey on Children and the Environment
• Burkina Faso: 1,050 Cartons Of Cigarettes Worth Over $17,535 Seized In Pâ
• Mali: Ségou Customs Intercept Over 55 Tons of Spoiled Meat in Anti-Trafficking Operation

About The Author

Oluwasegun Sanusi

author

See author's posts