A newly commissioned statue of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo near the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital has left many residents of Sekondi Takoradi wondering why the President would commission a statue of himself there when according to them he has nothing to show to his credit in the area.
Social media was awash on Wednesday with many, especially the youth questioning the rationale behind the edifice, especially when according to them, the Western Region is far behind in infrastructural development.
Residents of Sekondi Takoradi are up in arms over the statue, amidst the ongoing dualization of the Sekondi Takoradi road. The statue, which appeared to be part of a roundabout under construction, sparked widespread criticism with many questioning its necessity and timing.
Residents are unhappy with the current government, feeling that they haven’t seen any significant improvements since President Akufo-Addo took office.
Specifically, they’re questioning why he’s being honored with a statue when many projects in the region remain incomplete.
They argued that the statue was undeserved, considering the President’s contributions to the region. “The statue here is shameful; it should have been done in his hometown.”
“I wish the statue should be removed. What has he done for us?“ One asked.
“I suggest the roundabout should completed first,” another opined.
Richard Kirk Mensah, the NDC Regional Communications Officer felt that honoring the President with a statue while his tenure is ongoing was premature. “No sitting president should be erecting their own statue. It’s very shameful.”
He added that “I will lead the youth of Sekondi-Takoradi to relocate that statue to Kyebi in front of AkufoAddo’s family house.”
Some residents in the Sekondi-Takoradi feel shortchanged due to stalled projects, particularly the PTC Interchange and Takoradi Market Circle. These projects, initiated by the current government, were highly anticipated by residents. However, issues with Synohydro projects have brought construction to a halt.
The PTC Interchange, envisioned as the Western Region’s first interchange, and the market circle redevelopment, are crucial for the area’s infrastructure and economic growth. Residents are frustrated, feeling the government has not fulfilled its promises.
On November 6, President Nana Akufo-Addo reassured the public that these projects will be completed before his tenure ends in December.
This pledge has sparked hope, but skepticism remains due to the proximity of the election and the projects’ prolonged delays.
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By Ebenezer Atiemo
