Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs, has defended the recent erection of a statue honouring President Nana Akufo-Addo at Effiankwanta.

The statue, unveiled during Akufo-Addo’s tour of the Western Region, aims to recognize his contributions to development initiatives in the area.

The unveiling, however, has drawn criticism from some Ghanaians on social media, who view it as an act of “self-glorification.” Among the critics is former President John Dramani Mahama.

In an interview with Koforidua-based Bryt FM on Tuesday, monitored by Starr FM, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II countered these criticisms, stating that there is nothing inappropriate about erecting a statue to honour President Akufo-Addo for his contributions to the development of the Effiankwanta Hospital and the Western Region at large.

According to Ogyeahoho, the statue serves as a recognition of the President’s efforts and achievements in the region.

“Anyone who climbs a good tree deserves a push. Whether it is the President, his vice, or a Minister, they deserve to be recognized and shown appreciation when they do good things. So if the President has served for eight years and Effiankwanta Hospital, which we all know was in bad condition, has been improved, and the people are appreciating him, there is nothing wrong,” Ogyeahoho said.

He added, “If people are talking because they did it for Nana Addo, then I can imagine if it was for Bawumia. Nana Addo is exiting office within a few months.”