Former UK Ambassador to Ghana, Jon Benjamin, has criticised the erection of a statue honouring former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, stating that it is inappropriate for individuals to erect monuments in their own honour while still alive or in office.
Benjamin’s comments come in the wake of the unveiling of the Akufo-Addo statue in November 2024, located in front of Effia Nkwanta Hospital in Sekondi, as part of the former president’s “Thank-You Tour” of the Western Region. The statue has sparked controversy, with some residents questioning Akufo-Addo’s contributions to the region.
On January 13, 2025, the statue was vandalised, reportedly by individuals believed to be supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), sparking mixed reactions within the region. While some have condemned the act as disrespectful, others have seen it as a reflection of public discontent.
The NDC, however, has denied any involvement, with party representatives condemning the vandalism and calling for restraint in handling political differences.
In response to the controversy, Jon Benjamin took to social media, stating, “Nobody should ever put up a statue of themselves while still alive, let alone while still in office.” His comments have sparked a wider debate on the appropriateness of such self-honouring gestures, particularly in the political arena.
Source: TheDotNews