Vandalism of Akufo-Addo's statue disrespectful - Consul of Ghana to Italy

The Honorary Consul of Ghana to Italy, Massimiliano Colasuonno Taricone, has reacted to the vandalism of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s statue by unknown individuals at the Effia Nkwanta Hospital Roundabout.

The statue of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was vandalised on the morning of Monday, December 16, 2024, with viral visuals of the defaced statue showing how the left leg has been partly damaged.

Reacting to the development on his X page on December 16, 2024, Taricone expressed his disgust, describing the defacement of the statue honoring President Akufo-Addo as a disrespectful act that should not be condoned.

According to him, recent developments in the country, including the destruction of the statue, demonstrate how Ghanaians are losing their sense of proportion, urging authorities to punish perpetrators of the act.

Taricone referred to instances where some citizens had previously destroyed statues of Ghana’s founding father, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, only to later regret their actions.

Comparing this to the current events, where similar actions are being directed at President Akufo-Addo, Taricone called on Ghanaians to reflect on their actions regarding how they treat leaders.

“In Ghana, we are losing our sense of proportion. Damaging a symbol of a sitting President is not only a crime but also a profound act of disrespect. Those who laugh about it reveal their own values. You are the same people who once destroyed the statues of Kwame Nkrumah, only to regret it later. Reflect on this—you are often the architects of your own challenges,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has announced that it has commenced an investigation into the vandalism of the statue of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in front of the Effia Nkwanta Hospital, at Sekondi in the Western Region.

In a statement issued on Monday, December 16, 2024, the police gave details of the damage to the president’s statue.

It said that the plaque on the statue had been removed, adding that its left leg was also broken.

The police assured that the person(s) responsible for the damage would be found and dealt with in accordance with the laws of the country.

“The Ghana Police Service has commenced an investigation into the damage caused to the statue of His Excellency, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, located at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital Roundabout at Sekondi, Western Region.

“Preliminary investigations by the police have revealed that the statue's left leg has been damaged, and its plaque removed. Police efforts are underway to get the perpetrators arrested to face justice,” the statement by the police reads.

MAG/AE

Watch the latest episode of Trending GH below: