A member of the Upper Dixcove Traditional Council has revealed that the funding for President Akufo-Addo's statue at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital roundabout in Takoradi was generated by voluntary contributions made by the region's chiefs.

In an interview with TV3 on Ghana Tonight, Obrempong Nana Hima Dekyi XIV, indicated that the statue serves as an appreciation for the many developmental projects by President Akufo-Addo in the region, adding that the cost to erect the statue amounted to about GH₵30,000.

"It's very unfortunate that sometimes the ay and manner a communique is carried out. Prior to Wednesday's engagement, the president's Thank You Tour, we had received a letter of his invitation extended to the nananom that he will be in the region to thank us that at least when he came to us the people of the Western Region to ask for our votes granted him the mandate and that is tenure will be ending soon.

So when the release came to us quickly nananom actually talked to us about what to do because the chiefs of the Western Region e have always been loving the president for some developmental project in our region and when those request were made to him he took it upon himself to initiate and execute some of these projects.

"We decided to appreciate him for what he has done for the region in terms of this project. e met and we made contribution to erect the statue in his honor. We have honored other people aside the president. 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."