A hole has been discovered on the leg of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s statue at Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital on the morning of Monday, December 16, 2024.
The damage, located at the back of one leg, has raised concerns among residents in Sekondi-Takoradi, Western Region. It remains unclear whether the damage was intentional or caused by structural issues.
This statue, unveiled by the President during his regional tour, was erected to celebrate significant projects in the Western Region. Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere explained that the statue was erected to honor key projects such as the rehabilitation of Effia-Nkwanta Hospital, the construction of the 3-tier Sinohydro interchange, and the redevelopment of the Takoradi Market Circle.
Residents had previously expressed opposition to the statue, with some threatening its removal. However, the Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah defended the statue’s purpose, emphasizing its symbolic value in honoring development achievements.
Detractors argued that the funds used for the statue could have been redirected to pressing local needs, such as improving healthcare infrastructure at the very hospital where it stands.
Before this latest incident, factions within the community had openly threatened to destroy the monument, labelling it a symbol of misplaced priorities.
The visible damage now leaves many wondering whether the statue’s fate is a product of these longstanding tensions or a mere coincidence.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, and investigations are expected to determine the exact cause of the damage.
