NDC Presidential Candidate Mr. John Mahama has strongly criticised President Akufo-Addo for unveiling a statue of himself at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi, arguing that such a gesture is ill-timed given Ghana’s current economic difficulties.
Mr. Mahama’s remarks come in response to the unveiling, which took place during Akufo-Addo’s recent “Thank You” tour of the Western Region. The statue has sparked debate across the country, with Mr. Mahama asserting that it reflects misplaced priorities in a time of widespread hardship.
Speaking to supporters in Gomoa Buduburam, as part of his #Mahama4Change2024 campaign tour of the Central Region, Mr. Mahama expressed disappointment, suggesting that the President should allow his achievements to speak for themselves rather than seeking self-promotion when many Ghanaians are struggling.
“It’s disheartening to see the president focus on erecting a statue of himself while Ghanaians are experiencing serious hardships,” Mahama said.
“True leaders allow their work to build a legacy; they don’t build monuments to themselves when the people are suffering. A statue should reflect accomplishments recognised by others, not self-constructed praise.”
The NDC Presidential Candidate also criticised what he described as pressure on institutions to bestow honours upon President Akufo-Addo.
“He’s pressed universities to grant him honorary doctorates. But where does this take us when the average Ghanaian is facing economic challenges?” he asked.
The former President urged Ghanaians to reflect on the administration’s actions and avoid, in his words, repeating the “mistake” of entrusting the nation to the NPP.
“The last time we welcomed the ‘elephant,’ it wreaked havoc,” he remarked. “This December, let the NDC’s ‘umbrella’ shield the country from the mess left behind by the NPP.”
Mr. Mahama accused the NPP’s Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of distancing himself from the government’s failings while claiming credit during times of success.
“Dr. Bawumia calls himself a ‘driver’s mate,’ distancing himself from the government’s failures, yet he’s quick to claim successes,” Mahama said.
Mr. Mahama promised to “reset the country” and steer it toward stability and growth, ensuring the well-being of every Ghanaian. “The NDC will focus on real issues, not on self-adulation. Our priorities will be for the people,” he pledged.
