In a dramatic turn of events, the giant statue of Ghana’s former President Nana Akufo-Addo, which he unveiled just days before stepping down from office, has been destroyed. The destruction of the statue has sparked heated debates across the nation, raising questions about whether the act is fueled by political vendetta or a justified response to perceived self-glorification during his tenure.

Akufo-Addo’s administration, which ended this month, has faced significant criticism for its handling of key national projects, particularly the controversial $400 million National Cathedral. The project, touted by the ex-president as a symbol of unity and faith, was intended to honor God and serve as a spiritual landmark for Ghana. However, it has been marred by allegations of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and questionable prioritization of national resources.

The unveiling of Akufo-Addo’s statue days before leaving office only deepened these concerns, as critics labeled it a glaring act of self-promotion at a time when the country faced pressing economic challenges. Many Ghanaians viewed the statue as an unnecessary expenditure that highlighted the former president’s detachment from the struggles of ordinary citizens.

In response, Ghana’s newly elected government has announced plans to investigate the National Cathedral project and other initiatives spearheaded by Akufo-Addo. The move aims to uncover whether public funds were misused and whether due diligence was followed in executing these ambitious plans.

The Importance of Underwriting National Projects

This incident underscores the need for African nations to adopt stringent measures to underwrite large-scale national projects before committing public funds. Projects like the National Cathedral should undergo rigorous feasibility studies, transparent budgeting, and third-party audits to ensure their viability and public acceptance. Such measures not only protect national resources but also help build trust between governments and their citizens.

Uncompleted or mismanaged projects often become symbols of wasted potential, fueling public discontent and undermining faith in leadership. For Ghana, the National Cathedral saga and the destruction of Akufo-Addo’s statue serve as a reminder that national leaders must balance their ambitions with accountability and humility.

As the dust settles, Ghanaians hope the new administration will prioritize transparency and effective governance, ensuring that future projects truly serve the people rather than the egos of their leaders.