By Rachel Quartey
Today marks the 77th anniversary of the Christiansborg Crossroads Shooting incident, a pivotal event in Ghana’s struggle for independence. Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang led a solemn flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at Nationalism Park in Osu, Accra, to honour the memories of the three ex-servicemen who were shot dead at the crossroads on February 28, 1948, while on their way to submit a petition to then-Governor Sir Gerald Creasy.
The Vice President was joined by Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for the Interior Muntaka Mubarak, other government officials, and traditional leaders to commemorate the day.
On that fateful day, February 28, 1948, a group of World War II veterans marched toward Christiansborg Castle, determined to present a petition to the colonial administrator, Sir Gerald Creasy. The veterans had taken this step after the colonial administration failed to fulfill promises made to them during the war. Upon reaching the crossroads, Colonial Police Chief Colin Imray ordered them to disperse. Defiant and resolute, they refused. In response, Chief Imray fired into the crowd, killing Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey.
Their deaths sparked a series of riots and the looting of European-owned shops in Accra, Kumasi, and other parts of the country. These uprisings compelled the colonial administration to take steps that eventually led to Ghana’s independence.
The flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony is held annually. This year’s event featured a parade contingent consisting of officers from the Ghana Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and the Veteran Administration Ghana.
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, accompanied by the Defence Minister and Minister for the Interior, laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and the people of Ghana to pay respects to the nation’s heroes.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, also laid a wreath on behalf of the security services. Other dignitaries who laid wreaths included the immediate past Chairman of the Veterans Administration Ghana, Major General Clayton Yaachie (retired); Osu Alata Mantse, Nii Kwabena Bonney V; and Mr. Michael Attipoe, representing the families of Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey. A re-enactment of the incident followed the ceremony.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare; Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour economy, Goosie Obuadum Tanoh; and the flagbearer of the People’s National Convention, Bernard Mornah, among others.
One Response