On Monday, December 16, 2024, observers noticed a gaping hole at the back of one of the statue’s legs.

The cause of the damage remains unknown.

However, some speculate it may be an act of vandalism by individuals who had previously threatened to pull down the monument, others suggest the damage could result from structural flaws.

The statue was unveiled by President Akufo-Addo during his Western Region tour ahead of the 2024 general elections.

It was intended to commemorate major projects initiated during his administration, including the rehabilitation of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, the construction of the 3-tier Sinohydro interchange, and the redevelopment of the Takoradi Market Circle.

However, the statue has been a source of controversy since its installation.

Many residents criticized its relevance, arguing that the funds used could have been better allocated to address pressing local issues, such as improving healthcare infrastructure at the hospital itself.

Before this incident, factions within the community had openly voiced their disapproval of the statue, with some threatening to destroy it, deeming it a symbol of misplaced priorities.

Authorities is yet to release an official statement on the matter, and investigations are expected to determine the cause of the damage.

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The victim, Paulus Okine, was admitted at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital after showing symptoms of the novel respiratory virus.

Mr Okine was referred to the COVID centre from the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department yesterday, 18th August 2021.

The following morning, security personnel at the COVID centre spotted him with his packed bag while leaving the premise.

It is said that he threatened to harm the security person who tried to prevent him from leaving, hence he was allowed his free will.

After a while, he was found dead near the nurses quarters in the area.

Clinicians from ENRH have confirmed the victim dead and the case has been reported to the Sekondi District Police command who joined management to the scene.

The Deputy Director of Nursing Services of the hospital, Madam Justina Amo Yartey, suspects that he was fleeing due to denial that he had contracted the disease.

She advised the general public to observe the covid protocols because the disease is real.

The body has since been deposited at the hospital morgue.

The patient, Ophelia Baah, a mother of four, was rushed to the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital from home on Thursday, November 12 in the evening from diabetic complications.

She was pronounced dead by the medical officer on duty soon upon arrival at the facility.

Her remains were quickly conveyed to the hospital’s morgue.

Her husband, Robert Donkoh in an interview on Connect FM said the family went home weeping and wailing.

He noted that, the family was so sombre till Friday morning when they decided to visit the morgue to ensure she was embalmed.

“When we got to the mortuary around 6:am, we were told my wife had been sent to the casualty because she has come back to life,” the husband explained.

With shock, amazement, and joy all mixed, the family rushed to the casualty ward, and truly, Ophelia had been put on oxygen.

According to the husband, the mortuary attendant on duty told him, he (the attendant) was going to prepare some bodies for embalment and saw Ophelia sitting in the midst of the dead bodies.

They quickly brought a stretcher to convey her back to the casualty ward.

Ophelia, who has been battling with diabetes for some time, is currently receiving treatment.