A newly unveiled statue of Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo in Sekondi-Takoradi has stirred strong opposition from local residents, who question both its placement and its timing. The life-sized statue, positioned near the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital and part of a roundabout still under construction, has drawn widespread criticism, with many residents feeling it is undeserved.
Local sentiment suggests that President Akufo-Addo has failed to deliver on promises to the region, especially as several infrastructure projects remain stalled. Key developments such as the Takoradi Market Circle and the PTC Interchange, part of the government’s Synohydro project, have seen little progress, further fueling residents’ discontent.
“Why should he be honoured here when there’s nothing significant he’s done for us?” questioned one resident, expressing frustration over the lack of visible improvements. Others suggested the statue would be better placed in the President’s hometown of Kyebi, rather than a city where residents feel neglected.
Richard Kirk Mensah, Communications Officer for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the region, voiced his disapproval of the statue, stating, “It’s very shameful for a sitting president to erect a statue of himself.” He warned that he would rally local youth to move the statue to Kyebi, in front of the President’s family home, if it is not removed.
Calls for the statue’s removal continue, with some residents urging that the completion of the roundabout and other infrastructure projects take priority. The statue’s installation, perceived by many as a premature tribute, has become a flashpoint in Sekondi-Takoradi, amplifying local frustrations over stalled development and the slow pace of government projects.
Source:TheDotNews