A statue of Ghana’s former president, Nana Akufo-Addo, unveiled in November 2024, has been destroyed, sparking debate among citizens.

The statue, located in the Western Region, had been erected to honour the president’s development initiatives during his tenure. However, it became a target of criticism, with many accusing the former leader of self-glorification amidst the country’s ongoing economic challenges.

Images shared by local media on Monday showed the statue in ruins, with its severed head lying on the ground and its torso completely destroyed. Only a damaged pedestal remained. The motive and individuals behind the act remained unknown, as the police were yet to comment.

The sculptor, Justice Gaisie, revealed that the statue was constructed from a mix of metal, wire mesh, clay, fiberglass, and resin. However, the statue had already been partially vandalized last month, with one leg damaged. Calls from some local residents to remove the statue had gone unanswered, as local authorities previously pledged to repair it.

The destruction elicited mixed reactions. A local resident told Citi FM in Ghana that the statue was “of no benefit” to the people, adding, “so if it’s destroyed, it’s normal.” However, another resident lamented the act, saying, “There should have been a proper, civil way to get it removed,” warning of potential negative consequences for supporters of the former president’s party.

Others celebrated the destruction, with one resident telling Joy FM, “I’m happy it has been destroyed.”

The unveiling of the statue in 2024 already drew widespread criticism, with many questioning the use of public funds for its construction during one of Ghana’s worst economic crises in a generation. The country, which received a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2024, was grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis, a key campaign issue in the December presidential election.

Incumbent President John Mahama, who defeated the ruling party in a landslide victory, previously criticised the statue, calling it “insensitive” given the hardships faced by Ghanaians. “It is up to the people to honor the former president for his achievements,” Mahama remarked, adding that the statue symbolised misplaced priorities.

Akufo-Addo left office as president last week after serving two terms in office. His party’s candidate suffered a heavy defeat in the December elections, reflecting public dissatisfaction over the country’s economic struggles.

The destruction of the statue has become symbolic of the divide in public opinion regarding Akufo-Addo’s legacy. While some viewed it as a necessary protest against perceived excesses, others saw it as a regrettable act of disrespect.