Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama has criticized President Akufo- Addo for erecting a statue and commissioning it in his honour near the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the Western Region.
Speaking during his campaign tour of the central Region, Mahama questioned President Akufo- Addo’s motive for erecting a statue of himself.
“He went to Takoradi to erect his statue and commissioned it himself, have you heard of it anywhere?”.
According to him, this single act by President Akufo- Addo shows that he likes to praise himself instead of being acknowledged by others for his accomplishments.
“As a president you are not supposed to celebrate yourself and your achievements, you should leave it to others to do so on your behalf”.
He added that, “He convinced all universities to confer on him a doctorate degree when he was already in power. How? I don’t know where he’s taking those doctorates. You have to end your tenure for the universities to rather confer the awards on you depending on your accomplishments.”
President Akufo- Addo’s statue which was unveiled on November 6 as part of his one-day “thank you” tour of the Western Region, has drawn public attention and sparked numerous debates, with some suggesting for it to be removed completely.
The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere- Darko Mensah explained that the statue honours the President’s contributions to the region, citing projects such as the rehabilitation of Effia Nkwanta Hospital, the construction of the Sinohydro interchange, and the redevelopment of Takoradi Market Circle.