Only tyrants put up statues while they are alive—Historian Kweku Ankrah jabs Akufo-Addo
A University of Ghana historian, Kweku Darko Ankrah, has called for more careful consideration in the construction of statues to honour heroes and statemen.
Ankrah stressed that critical thinking and historical relevance should guide the process, rather than partisanship.
"When you are a leader and you want to put up some of these effigies or statues, critical thinking must go into it [and] it must not be partisan," he said, advocating for consultation with historians.
He pointed to examples like Obetsebi Lamptey Circle and Danquah Circle, where people understand the historical significance of the statues, which has prevented vandalism.
"Nobody goes about desecrating these statues because people understand the historical relevance of these individuals," he explained on TV3 in an interview.
He explained that it's only a tyrant who erects his own statue while alive.