Akufo-Addo did not honour himself – Upper Dixcove Traditional Council

The President of the Upper Dixcove Traditional Council, Obrempon Hima Dekyi XIV has reacted to public concern about the unveiling of a statue of President Akufo-Addo at the Effia-Nkwanta roundabout.

The reaction is contained in a press release dated November 8, 2024. According to the Council, President Akufo-Addo did not honour himself.

“Contrary to some reports, it is important to clarify that the President was invited to the venue, however, the unveiling was not performed by him but by my brother Nana Kwesi Agyeman IX, the paramount chief of Lower Dixcove, with support from other esteemed chiefs,” Obrepon Dekyi explained.

He stated further that the Council honoured the President for his contribution to the development of the Western Region.

“His government has been instrumental in spearheading various monumental projects aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and public services of our region. Key projects include the rehabilitation of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, construction of a three-tier interchange in Takoradi, the resurfacing of the Tarkwa-Takoradi road, and the redevelopment of the Takoradi Market Circle,” the Council clarified.

“In recognition of these contributions, the chiefs (“Nananom”) of the Western Region, who have consistently supported local development, saw it fitting to commission a statue in honor of President Akufo-Addo. This gesture reflects a tradition of honoring those who invest in the region’s progress,” they stressed.

Read full statement below:

Our attention has been drawn to recent widespread media reports concerning the unveiling of a statue of His Excellency, President Akufo-Addo, at the Effia-Nkwanta roundabout.

We wish to clarify and provide context to the event and the development initiatives it celebrates. First, it is essential to recognize the transformative impact President Akufo-Addo and his administration have had on the Western Region over the past seven years.

His government has been instrumental in spearheading various monumental projects aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and public services of our region. Key projects include the rehabilitation of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, construction of a three-tier interchange in Takoradi, the resurfacing of the Tarkwa-Takoradi road, and the redevelopment of the Takoradi Market Circle.

These projects, alongside many others, are in advanced stages of completion and will provide a long-awaited facelift for the region.

In recognition of these contributions, the chiefs (“Nananom”) of the Western Region, who have consistently supported local development, saw it fitting to commission a statue in honor of President Akufo-Addo. This gesture reflects a tradition of honoring those who invest in the region’s progress.

As native wisdom reminds us, “Those who show appreciation for little will have more added to the little they have.” Contrary to some reports, it is important to clarify that the President was invited to the venue, however, the unveiling was not performed by him but by my brother Nana Kwesi Agyeman IX, the paramount chief of Lower Dixcove, with support from other esteemed chiefs.

Honoring individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of the Western Region is a long­standing tradition. Over the years, the Nananom have recognized several distinguished Ghanaians, including Hon. Georgina Bus­Kowfie of the Sekondi­Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Master Cudjoe of Ghana Secondary Technical School, and various
Assembly members. Notably, the “Anita Mensah Road” was named after a renowned hotelier affectionately known as Aminens acknowledging her lasting impact on the region

The President’s impactful contributions span numerous sectors, exemplified by the following projects in the Western Region:
1. Infrastructure and Healthcare: Construction of the Dixcove Fishing Harbour, Axim Mini Harbour, Ezinlibo Forward Operating Naval Base, and the Atlantic Port in Takoradi; new regional hospital at Apimanim, district hospitals in Elubo, Bogoso, and Wassa; polyclinics in Mpohor and Bokoro; new hospitals in Nsuem and Amenfi Central; nine new court complexes; and numerous CHPS compounds across the region.

2. Roads and Transportation: 760 kilometers of road construction and upgrades, New dual carriage from Takoradi to Agona Nkwanta, the development of the Takoradi Petroleum Services Platform, and the Railway University, as well as the ongoing
railway expansion from Kojokrom to Huni Valley.

3. Education: Expansion of Free Senior High School (SHS) infrastructure, including 84 new facilities at various SHS locations, a new SHS in New Nseaum, and an upgraded TVETSHS in Amenfi Central.

The Nananom of the Western Region remain committed to fostering growth and are hopeful that current and future leaders will continue to prioritize the development of this vital region. We appeal to all Ghanaians, particularly sons and daughters of the Western Region, to remain measured in their assessments as we strive together to uphold our democratic
values and sustain the peace we collectively enjoy.

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Western Region honours Akufo-Addo with a life-size statue