Destroyed statues of former Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr Kwame Nkrumah
The statue of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in Takoradi has been destroyed by unknown individuals, sparking intense discussions about leadership legacies and the symbolism of such acts.
Renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni weighed in on the incident, drawing historical parallels between the toppling of Akufo-Addo’s statue and the decapitation of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s statue in 1966, following his ousting in a military coup.
In a Twitter post on January 15, 2025, Manasseh reflected on Nkrumah’s enduring legacy and its lessons for contemporary leadership.
He recounted how the military regime that overthrew Nkrumah attempted to erase his memory by targeting cultural icons, including the Kpando Borborbor Band, which Nkrumah had adopted and renamed “Nkrumah’s Own Borborbor Band.”
The regime confiscated the band’s drums, arrested its founder Francis Nuatro, and decapitated Nkrumah’s statue.
Manasseh also highlighted mixed reactions to Nkrumah’s fall, including a congratulatory message from Nii Okai Pesemaku III of the Gbese Traditional Area, who described Nkrumah’s overthrow as “more spectacular than the fall of Satan.”
However, Manasseh noted that history has vindicated Nkrumah. He pointed to Nkrumah being named Africa’s Man of the Millennium, ahead of Nelson Mandela, and the presence of Nkrumah’s statue at the African Union Headquarters.
He further celebrated Nkrumah’s infrastructural achievements, such as the Tema Motorway and the Akosombo Dam, which continue to serve Ghanaians decades later.
Reflecting on the destruction of Akufo-Addo’s statue, Manasseh cautioned against equating similar fates with equal legacies.
He wrote, “Two people may suffer the same or similar fates, but those fates alone do not define their places in history.”
Drawing a thought-provoking comparison, he said, “Jesus was crucified on the cross with two thieves. The circumstances of their deaths were similar. After 2000 years, when the story is told, Jesus is still described as the Saviour of the world, but the two men are still nameless thieves.”
While acknowledging Nkrumah’s flaws, such as his intolerance for dissent, Manasseh praised his selflessness and integrity.
He emphasized that Nkrumah did not amass personal wealth or property for his family during his tenure, leaving behind a legacy of honesty.
The destruction of Akufo-Addo’s statue has reignited conversations about how leaders are remembered and the lessons history holds for Ghana’s political landscape.
Manasseh’s reflections underscore the importance of substance and impact in defining a leader’s legacy, far beyond symbols like statues.
