Upper Dixcove Traditional Council reveals cost of Akufo-Addo's statue; says it is to appreciate him

Upper Dixcove Traditional Council has disclosed that it cost them GH₵30,000 to erect the controversial statue in honour of President Nana Akufo Addo at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital roundabout in Takoradi in the Western Region.

According to Obrempong Nana Hima Dekyi XIV, a member of the Council, his colleagues willingly contributed the amount to fund the erection of the statue to appreciate the President for the many projects he has executed in the Western Region since assuming power.

President Nana Akufo-Addo is facing a storm of criticism on social media after unveiling a statue of himself.

Many Ghanaians see it as an act of self-promotion rather than public service, sparking backlash online.

Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, joined the criticism of President Akufo-Addo over the statue.

Mr. Mahama said the president should have allowed others to pat him on the back, not he himself.

“He has gone to Takoradi to put his statue and unveiled it. A president must be humble; you must let others praise you instead of praising yourself,” he said.

But in an interview with TV 3 monitored by GhanaWeb, Obrempong Nana Hima Dekyi XIV said he's not heard any public disagreement over the statue.

""I have not heard anybody complaining that they are not happy about it. I am unable to speak to that. Indeed, as we have listed in the communiqué, we agree that some of the projects have not been completed. But once it has been started, we hope and anticipate that definitely they will come to completion."

Despite the controversy, some Ghanaians on social media have defended the monument, praising Akufo-Addo's contributions, particularly his flagship policy of free secondary education, which he has highlighted as his "most significant legacy."

Supporters hailed him as the architect of Ghana’s free education system, with one fan posting, "He is deserving of this monument—the greatest president I’ve ever had."

KA

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