A man has been taken into custody following an act of vandalism against the Big Six statue at Airport Roundabout in Accra.
The suspect, identified as Newwel Gavu, reportedly damaged the monument and several surrounding signposts early on the morning of Saturday, August 31, 2024.
Witnesses alerted the authorities around 3:00am after seeing the suspect engaged in the destruction.
The aftermath of the incident left the statue in pieces, with scattered debris and exposed iron rods. Gavu’s actions also extended to nearby signposts, further contributing to the damage.
The motive behind this act of vandalism remains unclear. Gavu is currently in police custody and will face legal proceedings.
In a statement on X, the Ghana Police Service confirmed the arrest: “On August 31, 2024, suspect Newwel Gavu was apprehended for vandalizing a monument and several signposts at the Airport Roundabout in Accra. He is now in custody and will undergo the legal process.”
During a site visit, a pair of sandals believed to belong to the suspect was discovered at the scene. The destruction of the monument has raised concerns about security and the need for resources to replace it.
The police have praised the public and Airport security for their role in the suspect’s capture.
The ‘Big Six’ were key leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), a political organization advocating for self-rule from colonial Britain. The group included:
- Ebenezer Ako-Adjei (1916-2002)
- Edward Akufo-Addo (1906-1979)
- J.B. Danquah (1895-1965)
- Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey (1902-1963)
- William Ofori Atta (1910-1988)
- Kwame Nkrumah (1909-1972)
On February 28, 1948, a peaceful protest in Accra demanding pay for World War II veterans was met with gunfire, resulting in three deaths.
The Big Six’s strong reaction to this event, which included calling for immediate self-rule, led to their arrest and solidified their legacy as symbols of Ghana’s quest for independence.
