Akufo-Addo Unveils Dr. J.B. Danquah Statue in Hometown ‘Akyem Adadientem’
Akyem Adadientem, Eastern Region
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday unveiled a bronze statue of Dr. Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah in his hometown of Adadientem, capping ceremonies marking the 61st anniversary of the founding father’s death.
The ceremony, held on February 7, 2026, drew traditional leaders and government officials, including Okyenhemaa Nana Adutwumwaa Dokua and Kyebi Abontendomhene Osabarima Marfo Kwabrane. It also featured the official opening of the newly paved Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin Street — a 1.2 km road fully funded by the chief and people of Akyem Adadientem.
Addressing the gathering, President Akufo-Addo paid tribute to Dr. Danquah’s role in shaping modern Ghana, praising his advocacy for the rule of law, political pluralism and human dignity. “Dr. Danquah’s legacy is a testament to the power of ideas and the importance of upholding democracy and individual freedom,” the president said, urging citizens to protect the country’s democratic gains.
Barima Ofori Asante, chief of Akyem Adadientem, said the statue and road — part of a community-funded GH¢2 million project — are the first phase of a wider plan to preserve Danquah’s memory. He announced intentions to convert the surviving laterite block where Danquah was schooled into a museum and library, and to build a modern playground, a 3D Cypher centre and the JB Danquah Academy of Leadership Excellence. The academy, he said, will offer intensive leadership training drawing on philosophers, political scientists, economists and statesmen.
Dr. Antoinette Tsibu Darko, Executive Director of the Danquah Institute, echoed calls to honour the past while investing in the future. “We honour him by cherishing our heritage as we innovate for the future and never forgetting our past and where we have come from,” she said.
The statue and road were delivered by contractor Baffour Boamah Darko, Mawerehene of Akyem Adadientem and CEO of REBISA Company Ltd. Organisers said the GH¢2 million contribution covered both the statue and the road, which the community financed to commemorate Danquah’s contributions to Ghana’s political and intellectual life.
The unveiling concluded with a call from speakers for citizens and leaders to uphold national values — liberty, knowledge and justice — and to guard the nation’s democratic institutions in the spirit of Dr. J.B. Danquah.