Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has added his voice to the heated debate surrounding the controversial statue of former President Nana Akufo-Addo unveiled in Takoradi.

Addressing Ghanaian communities in Côte d’Ivoire during his diplomatic visit last week, Bagbin’s remarks reflected his disapproval of self-glorification and his call for leadership to set an example.

“Don’t sow evil, if you sow evil, you will go and reap it. In any case, when you are alive, it is not advisable to build a statue for yourself.

“When you are no more, the people who will admire what you have done, they will build a statue for you,” Bagbin asserted, delivering a pointed critique of the decision to erect the statue.

The unveiling of the statue, which has now been completely destroyed by angry residents, sparked widespread controversy, with critics arguing that such honours are traditionally reserved for those whose legacies have been cemented posthumously.


“We will do all we can to stop the moral decadence, it doesn’t help any person for us to have a lawless society but please, leadership is to set the best example so that others will follow,” he remarked, urging leaders to focus on values that inspire and unite the people they serve.