John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticized President Akufo-Addo for unveiling a statue of himself at the entrance of the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi-Takoradi during his recent visit to the Western Region on November 6.
Mahama condemned the unveiling as an act of “self-praise,” questioning whether the statue genuinely reflects the region’s developmental needs or if it was more about personal glorification.
He pointed out that such actions seem to prioritize self-congratulation over addressing the real needs of the people.
In defense, Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah argued that the statue was a gesture to honor Akufo-Addo’s significant contributions to the region, citing projects like the renovation of the Effia-Nkwanta Hospital, the construction of the Sinohydro interchange, and the redevelopment of the Takoradi Market Circle.
However, Mahama, speaking at a campaign event in the Central Region, dismissed these justifications, emphasizing that true leadership should focus on people’s praise for accomplishments, not self-glorification.
He also took a jab at Akufo-Addo’s conferral of honorary doctorate degrees while in power, questioning the timing and appropriateness of such awards.
“As a leader, you need people to say good things about your work, not the other way around,” Mahama stated, suggesting that universities should award honorary degrees after a leader’s tenure, based on their achievements.
