We had no idea about Akufo-Addo’s statue until unveiling – WR Chiefs expose Okyere Darko

Paramount Chief of Lower Dixcove Denies Chiefs' Involvement in Akufo-Addo Statue Donation

The Paramount Chief of Lower Dixcove, Nana Akwasi Agyeman IV, has refuted claims made by former Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, suggesting that chiefs from the Western Region were responsible for donating the controversial statue of former President Akufo-Addo, which was unveiled in front of the Effia-Nkwanta Hospital in Sekondi in November 2024.

During a recent interview with a Takoradi-based radio station, Nana Akwasi Agyeman clarified that he was unaware of the statue before its unveiling and was not involved in any decision regarding its creation or funding. He emphasized that the chiefs of the Western Region did not contribute any funds towards the statue's construction.

“It is not true that the chiefs donated to the statue. No chief contributed even a pesewa towards its creation. If anyone did, I am not aware of it. There was no official meeting among the chiefs to discuss such a donation," he said. Nana Akwasi Agyeman further explained that he regularly attends meetings at the House of Chiefs, and no such discussions had taken place.

The chief also recounted how he was caught off guard during the unveiling event, stating that he and other chiefs had only been invited to attend a thank-you tour for the former President. He was informed during the event that they would be presenting a gift to the President, which turned out to be the statue.

“Upon arriving at the Effia-Nkwanta Hospital, I was surprised to learn it was a statue. I did not know beforehand. I was asked to help unveil it and, although initially reluctant, I agreed to avoid creating a scene," Nana Akwasi Agyeman shared.

He explained that while unveiling the statue, he spoke about the President's past visit to him in 2019 after he was attacked, expressing gratitude on his own behalf, not on behalf of the chiefs.

The statue, which had sparked public controversy due to perceptions of President Akufo-Addo's limited contributions to the development of the Western Region, was reportedly destroyed by unknown individuals on January 13, 2025.