Former President John Mahama has publicly criticized President Nana Akufo-Addo’s recent unveiling of a statue of himself outside the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi, arguing that self-glorification has no place in leadership. The statue, which was unveiled on November 6 during Akufo-Addo’s tour of the Western Region, has sparked mixed reactions from Ghanaians and further divided opinions across the political landscape.
Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, shared his disappointment with the statue’s installation during a rally, emphasizing that humility is essential for a leader. “A true leader lets others sing his praises, rather than praising himself,” he stated, referencing the statue as an act of self-aggrandizement.
The NDC’s Western Region Communications Director, Richard Kirk-Mensah, echoed Mahama’s criticism, noting that the unveiling has even frustrated some supporters within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). “Everyone is angry, even some NPP regional executives,” Kirk-Mensah claimed, arguing that the statue has not resonated well with many Ghanaians who feel it was unwarranted and unnecessary.
This is not the first time Mahama has expressed concern over President Akufo-Addo’s acceptance of public honors. He also criticized the President for receiving multiple honorary degrees from universities across the country, the latest being from the University of Health and Allied Sciences. “Universities are giving him doctorates, but I don’t know where he’s taking them,” Mahama remarked, suggesting that such accolades are more about vanity than service.
The sculptor behind the statue, Genesis Gyesi, recently shared a behind-the-scenes video on TikTok, proudly unveiling his process for creating the structure. In the video, Gyesi can be seen meticulously working on the statue at his workshop, capturing the piece’s creation from start to finish. However, despite the effort and craftsmanship, the unveiling has become a lightning rod for criticism. Many Ghanaians took to social media to mock the statue, calling it a “self-glorifying move” and questioning the timing and necessity of the installation.
