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.