A recent episode in Ghana’s political landscape has reignited a complex discussion across West Africa about leadership, legacy, and public symbols. Former British High Commissioner to Ghana, Jon Benjamin, has taken issue with former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo’s decision to erect a statue of himself while still in office—a move he describes as “premature” and inappropriate for public figures still serving.
The Incident: Statue Vandalised Amid Public Backlash
The debate resurfaced in the wake of shocking reports that Akufo-Addo’s statue, situated at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital Roundabout in Sekondi (Western Region, Ghana), was vandalised in the early hours of Monday, January 13, 2025. This act followed ongoing criticism since the statue’s unveiling, and has opened broader conversations throughout West Africa about the appropriateness of such monuments.
According to the Graphic Online and eyewitness accounts collected by local journalists, the statue first suffered partial damage on December 16, 2024. Vandals left a large hole in its left calf and removed its commemorative plaque. The Ghana Police Service subsequently launched an investigation, and repairs were carried out three days later. However, sources confirm the entire statue was later demolished, leaving only its base standing—an outcome now circulating in numerous social media videos.
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Local and International Reactions
Mr. Benjamin’s comments, published on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on January 13, 2025, captured a sentiment echoed by many Ghanaians and Africans more broadly: “Nobody should ever put up a statue of themselves while still alive, let alone while still in office.” His statement ignited lively debates both online and offline, prompting political analysts in Lagos to compare the episode to similar controversies in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Fatima Ogundele, a political scientist at the University of Lagos, “Across West Africa, public commemoration tends to be fraught with difficult questions of ego, sacrifice, and collective memory. When leaders choose to honour themselves before their tenure has been widely assessed, it can cause resentment and fuel political tensions.”
Genesis of the Monument: Timing and Public Perception
The statue was officially unveiled on November 6, 2024 during Akufo-Addo’s widely-publicised “Thank You Tour.” The location—an ongoing construction site at the Effia-Nkwanta roundabout—was symbolic, highlighting recent hospital upgrades. At the event, the former president claimed that his administration had delivered on 80 percent of its electoral promises, inviting both praise and critique from observers.
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Ghanaians express anger as Akufo-Addo unveils statue of himself, scores himself 80%
Yet the initiative to immortalise his own likeness while still in power became a lightning rod for dissent. Critics, citing Ghana’s deeply rooted traditions of humility and service, deemed the move as premature self-aggrandisement. “A leader’s legacy should be defined by the people, not by the leader,” opined Kofi Debrah, an Accra-based activist. “Many of us were shocked—and frankly, embarrassed—when the unveiling happened. It felt tone-deaf.”
Defending the Legacy: Alternative Perspectives
In response to widespread criticism, former Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah defended the monument’s purpose. He asserted that the statue commemorated Akufo-Addo’s pivotal contributions to the region, particularly the rehabilitation of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, construction of the Sinohydro interchange, and ongoing redevelopment of the Takoradi Market Circle.
“We cannot erase or diminish his role in transforming the region’s infrastructure,” Darko-Mensah told GhanaWeb. “The statue was not about needless pride, but honouring transformational leadership.” His defence reflects ongoing debates about how African societies, including Nigeria, grapple with recognising legacy while avoiding perceptions of excess.
Lessons for Nigeria and West Africa: Symbolism, Memory, and Accountability
The story’s resonance extends across West Africa, where statues and other symbols of leadership are increasingly scrutinised for their social, economic, and political meanings. In Nigeria, for example, monuments to public figures regularly spark national debates. A 2022 attempt by a state governor to rename public infrastructure after himself drew widespread public derision and forced a reversal, illustrating just how sensitive and contested the issue remains.
- Should living political leaders be the ones to decide their own permanence in public spaces?
- Does early commemoration risk undermining the authenticity of legacy?
- How can countries balance appreciation for development with a culture of humility and service?
Lagos-based sociologist Dr. Jibril Adewale advises, “If society is to move forward, the symbols we elevate need broad consensus. Otherwise, public monuments will keep becoming targets instead of serving as sources of inspiration.”
Broader Impact and Global Comparisons
Experts note that the erection—and destruction—of statues is not unique to Ghana or Nigeria. Across Africa, from the removal of Mobutu’s grand monuments in DR Congo to debates about statues in South Africa and Zimbabwe, people are reconsidering who deserves permanence in national memory. Internationally, statues of political leaders have also fallen in places like the United States and the UK following public backlash or shifts in societal values.
Transparency International stresses that such commemorative acts should complement, not precede, substantial and sustained contributions to society. Failure to do so can ignite unrest or discredit leaders’ perceived achievements.
The Path Forward: Rethinking Public Monuments
While the Ghanaian government continues its investigations and public discourse ensues, this episode stands as a teachable moment for Nigeria and other West African nations. The incident raises important questions about leadership, humility, civic pride, and the real meaning of leaving a legacy.
As debates swirl, many activists and community leaders call for new policies regulating monuments to serving officials. Meanwhile, the fate of Akufo-Addo’s statue—destroyed mere weeks after its unveiling—serves as a reminder that the story of a leader’s achievements is always best told by the people.
Have Your Say
Do you think leaders should erect monuments to themselves while still living? How can Nigeria and Ghana foster a culture where legacies are collectively celebrated, not imposed? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
