The Upper Dixcove Traditional Council has revealed that the cost of erecting the controversial statue of President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital roundabout in Takoradi, Western Region, amounted to GH₵30,000.

Obrempong Nana Hima Dekyi XIV, a member of the Council, explained that the amount was raised through voluntary contributions from his colleagues, who funded the statue as a gesture of appreciation for the many developmental projects President Akufo-Addo has initiated in the Western Region since taking office.

"The chiefs of Upper Dixcove met and made contributions to put the statue up and it was around GH₵30,000," he added.

However, the unveiling of the statue has stirred significant criticism, particularly on social media, where many Ghanaians have condemned it as an act of self-promotion rather than an expression of public service.

Among the critics is John Mahama, the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), who has expressed disapproval, suggesting that the president should have allowed others to acknowledge his efforts rather than promoting himself in such a way.

“He has gone to Takoradi to put his statue and unveiled it. A president must be humble; you must let others praise you instead of praising yourself,” he said.

In an interview with TV3, Obrempong Nana Hima Dekyi XIV, a member of the Upper Dixcove Traditional Council, stated that he has not heard any public objections regarding the statue.

He defended the installation, asserting that there has been no widespread opposition to the tribute to President Akufo-Addo.

"I have not heard anybody complaining that they are not happy about it. I am unable to speak to that. Indeed, as we have listed in the communiqué, we agree that some of the projects have not been completed. But once it has been started, we hope and anticipate that definitely they will come to completion."

Despite the controversy, some Ghanaians on social media have come to the defense of the monument, praising President Akufo-Addo for his contributions, particularly his flagship policy of free secondary education, which he has described as his "most significant legacy."

Supporters have hailed him as the architect of Ghana’s free education system, with one fan posting "He is deserving of this monument—the greatest president I’ve ever had."