President Nana Akufo-Addo recently inaugurated a bronze statue of himself outside Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi as part of his “thank you” tour across Ghana’s Western Region.

Intended to commemorate his contributions to the region, this act has incited both support and criticism across social media, underscoring the mixed public response to his legacy as he nears the end of his tenure.

During the unveiling ceremony, Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah emphasized that the statue was a tribute to President Akufo-Addo’s efforts in developing the region.

He highlighted major initiatives, such as the rehabilitation of Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, the construction of a three-tier interchange, and the redevelopment of Takoradi Market Circle.

Despite these achievements, many projects remain incomplete, leading some Ghanaians to question the statue’s relevance at this time.

Addressing the people of Sekondi, Akufo-Addo defended his track record, asserting that he had fulfilled 80% of his promises since assuming office.

He urged citizens to back Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, in the upcoming December election, suggesting that his leadership would ensure the continuation of these developmental policies.

Public reaction to the statue has been intense and polarized. Critics argue that the monument is an act of self-glorification, pointing out that ongoing challenges like high living costs and delayed projects might have made other investments more appropriate.

Opposition voices, such as MP Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, argue that “the people of the Western Region deserve better” than such displays. Some social media users echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the President should have let future generations judge his contributions rather than honoring himself prematurely.

Nevertheless, Akufo-Addo’s supporters have praised the statue as a well-deserved acknowledgment of his role in launching Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which he calls his greatest legacy.

This initiative, which eliminates fees for secondary education, has impacted many families across the nation, positioning Akufo-Addo as a transformative figure in Ghanaian education.

The unveiling has also underscored the political stakes in the upcoming elections, as Akufo-Addo emphasized a vote for Bawumia as a means to sustain the current administration’s policies.

Bawumia’s principal rival, former President John Dramani Mahama, is campaigning with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and aiming to address pressing issues like economic hardships and cost of living, which remain central to the political landscape.

With public opinion split, the statue at Effia-Nkwanta has become a symbol of both the admiration and the criticisms surrounding Akufo-Addo’s presidency, highlighting the complex legacy he will leave behind as he steps down in January.