The Western Regional Minister-designate, Joseph Nelson, has vowed to investigate the vandalism of the statue of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which was recently damaged for the second time.
The monument, erected during Akufo-Addo’s presidency, was intended to symbolize the government’s commitment to improving healthcare and infrastructure in the Western Region.
Positioned near the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, the statue served as a reminder of efforts to enhance access to medical care and resources in underserved communities.
However, the monument has been subjected to repeated attacks.
The first incident occurred on December 16, 2024, when unknown individuals damaged the statue’s leg.
Although authorities quickly repaired it, no arrests were made, and the motives behind the attack remained unclear.
In the latest act of vandalism, significant damage was inflicted on the statue, raising concerns over security and the reasons behind these recurrent attacks.
Speaking on the matter, Joseph Nelson expressed his determination to get to the bottom of the issue if confirmed as Regional Minister.
“What I can recall is that immediately after its erection, a chief claimed that they put it up themselves, but this was debunked by another chief. I will look into it if I am approved as the minister,” he stated.
Residents and local authorities have expressed mixed reactions to the incident, with some calling for enhanced security measures to prevent further destruction.
Others have questioned the relevance of the statue, arguing that public funds should be directed toward pressing development needs rather than monuments.
As the region awaits further action from the authorities, the repeated targeting of the statue continues to fuel debate over its significance and the underlying motivations behind the attacks.
