The controversial statue of President Akufo-Addo at the entrance of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis of the Western region has suffered damage, reigniting discussions about its divisive reception among residents.
On the morning of Monday, December 16, 2024, observers discovered a gaping hole at the back of one of the statue’s legs.
The cause of the damage remains unclear, leaving room for speculation. Some believe the incident could be the work of individuals who had vowed to pull down the statue, while others suggest it may have been caused by structural flaws.
The statue, unveiled by President Akufo-Addo during a tour of the Western Region just before the 2024 general elections, was erected to celebrate supposed significant projects initiated under his administration.
These include the rehabilitation of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, the construction of the 3-tier Sinohydro interchange, and the Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment.
Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah defended the monument at the time, citing it as a symbol of progress and development under the President’s leadership.
However, the installation sparked heated debates and protests among some residents, who questioned its relevance and appropriateness.
Detractors argued that the funds used for the statue could have been redirected to pressing local needs, such as improving healthcare infrastructure at the very hospital where it stands.
Before this latest incident, factions within the community had openly threatened to destroy the monument, labelling it a symbol of misplaced priorities.
The visible damage now leaves many wondering whether the statue’s fate is a product of these longstanding tensions or a mere coincidence.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, and investigations are expected to determine the exact cause of the damage.
Credit: Ina-Thalia Quansah