‘No one should erect their own statue while alive’ – Jon Benjamin criticises Akufo-Addo

Former UK Ambassador to Ghana, Jon Benjamin, has expressed disapproval over the erection of a statue honouring former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

According to the diplomat, erecting monuments in one’s honour during their lifetime or tenure in office is wrong.

Mr. Benjamin’s comments come in the wake of the vandalism of the Akufo-Addo statue, which was unveiled in November 2024 in front of Effia Nkwanta Hospital in Sekondi as part of the former President’s “Thank-You Tour” of the Western Region.

The statue’s unveiling sparked public criticism, with many residents questioning the former President’s contributions to the region.

The destruction of the statue, allegedly by supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on January 13, 2025, has ignited mixed reactions within the Western Region.

While some residents have condemned the act as disrespectful, others view it as a reflection of public dissatisfaction.

meanwhile, the NDC has denied any involvement or endorsement of the vandalism. Party representatives stated that such actions do not align with their principles and called for restraint in addressing political disagreements.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on January 13, Jon Benjamin commented, “Nobody should ever put up a statue of themselves while still alive, let alone while still in office.”

His remark has since sparked a broader debate on the appropriateness of self-honouring gestures, especially within the political sphere.

Nobody should ever put up a statue of themselves while still alive, let alone while still in office.#NanaAkufoAddo #Ghana #statues https://t.co/3Io9zKAvSh

— (((Jon Benjamin))) (@JonBenjamin19) January 13, 2025

 

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