Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-02-29 07:11:00
A solemn ceremony was held in Accra to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the February 28 Christiansborg Crossroads shooting incident. This annual ceremony pays tribute to ex-servicemen who lost their lives during a peaceful march in 1948 to demand unpaid allowances from British governor Gerald Creasy.
The ceremony took place at the Freedom Monument near Independence Square and included a parade by the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Defence Staff Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, and Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare were among the dignitaries in attendance. Chairman of the Veterans Administration Ghana Major-General (retired) Clayton Banuba Yaache and Osu Alata Mantse Nii Kwabena Boni V also participated in the event.
The commemoration began with a roll call of veterans, followed by a minute of silence and the laying of wreaths for the fallen soldiers. The Vice President laid a wreath on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, Major Oppong-Peprah on behalf of the security services, and Major-General (retired) Yaache on behalf of the veterans. Nii Boni V represented traditional authorities and communities, while Nii Cornelius Adjetey, a relative of late Sergeant Adjetey, laid the final wreath for the fallen soldiers.
The shooting incident on February 28, 1948, involved an unarmed ex-servicemen’s march in Accra that turned tragic when they were met by armed police at the Christiansborg crossroads. Superintendent Imray, leading the police, ordered the ex-servicemen to disperse, and when they refused, he commanded the police to open fire, resulting in the deaths of Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey.
This incident became a turning point in the fight against colonialism, leading to demands for justice and accountability. In response, the British government established a committee to investigate, and its findings ultimately led to a political shift that paved the way for the Gold Coast to achieve independence.
The annual ceremony serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these ex-servicemen in their pursuit of justice and freedom. It also honors their memory and the role they played in shaping Ghana’s history. Through events like these, the nation pays tribute to those who have fought for its independence and sovereignty.
The 76th anniversary of the Christiansborg Crossroads shooting incident is a time to reflect on the past and honor the legacy of those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. It is a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by previous generations to secure a better future for Ghana and its people.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
