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A portion of the statue of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, situated in front of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi-Takoradi, Western Region, has been damaged, raising concerns among residents and authorities alike.
The damage, which appears as a noticeable hole at the back of one of the statue’s legs, was discovered on the morning of Monday, December 16, 2024. While the cause remains uncertain, suspicions range from deliberate vandalism by individuals opposed to the statue’s presence to a possible structural defect.
“I am very surprised. This statue was meant to honor the president and his achievements. I can’t believe part of its leg is broken, but I haven’t seen anyone claim responsibility for damaging it,” said Doris Arhin, a local resident.
Others, however, have raised concerns about the quality of the construction process. Esther Anosi, another resident, commented: “I think the statue was rushed. It was supposed to take two months to complete, but it was done in two weeks. This might explain the defect.”
The statue was unveiled by President Akufo-Addo earlier this year as part of a ceremony to highlight key projects completed under his administration in the Western Region. These projects include the rehabilitation of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, the construction of the 3-tier Sinohydro Interchange, and the redevelopment of the Takoradi Market Circle.
Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah explained during the unveiling that the statue symbolized progress and was intended to serve as a lasting tribute to the president’s contributions to the region.
The damage has sparked mixed reactions among residents, with some viewing it as a sign of poor planning, while others speculate about acts of sabotage. Local authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, and investigations are expected to determine the cause of the damage.
This development comes amid a backdrop of earlier threats from a section of Takoradi residents who vowed to bring down the statue, citing opposition to its construction. Whether this damage is linked to those threats remains unclear.
The statue, now partially damaged, stands as a symbol of both progress and division, leaving many residents wondering whether it can be restored to its former glory.
