In Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo recently unveiled a statue of himself outside the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi, allegedly to commemorate his efforts in infrastructure and social policies, particularly his free secondary education initiative. However, this gesture has ignited considerable public debate and criticism. Many Ghanaians, including opposition leaders, have accused Akufo-Addo of self-promotion and questioned the relevance of the statue, especially given the nation’s ongoing challenges and unmet infrastructure needs.

Social media reactions to the statue have been intense. Many users allegedly expressed frustration, viewing it as an unnecessary display that diverts attention from Ghana’s pressing issues, such as economic hardship and stalled public projects. “The people of the Western Region deserve better than these self-serving displays,” commented opposition MP Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, reflecting the sentiments of those who feel the president’s legacy should focus on tangible improvements rather than self-honoring tributes.

Below are some tweet reactions to the unveiling of the statue.

Akufo-Addo, who will leave office in January after completing two terms, has been on a “thank-you tour” across Ghana, emphasizing his achievements and urging support for his vice-president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate in the upcoming elections. He allegedly asserts that his administration has delivered on 80% of its promises, including his highly-praised free education policy, which he regards as his most significant contribution. Supporters argue that the statue appropriately recognizes his efforts, describing him as “the founder of Ghana’s free education system.”

However, with the December election drawing near and concerns about the high cost of living dominating voter priorities, critics see the statue as an extravagant and ill-timed move. Many believe the statue should be removed after Akufo-Addo leaves office, suggesting that true appreciation of his work should come from future generations rather than from self-made monuments. As the campaign heats up, the mixed reactions to the statue symbolize the divided views on Akufo-Addo’s legacy, with the electorate’s sentiment likely to impact the NPP’s bid to retain power.