78 Years On: Commemorating the Brave Ex-Servicemen of the Christiansborg Crossroads Shooting

Last Saturday in Accra, a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony was held to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the 28th February Christiansborg Crossroads Shooting. The event also honoured three ex-servicemen, Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey, who were killed during the historic incident.

In 1948, these men were shot by colonial police while peacefully marching to present a petition to the Governor at Osu Castle. The petition requested proper war gratuities for ex-servicemen following their service in the Second World War. The shooting sparked widespread unrest across the Gold Coast and is considered a key event leading to Ghana’s independence in 1957.

The ceremony at Nationalism Park brought together senior government officials, security chiefs, traditional leaders, and the families of the fallen heroes. Notable attendees included Vice-President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi, Chief of Staff Alex Segbefia, Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohunu, and Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo.

Wreaths were laid to honour the fallen soldiers, accompanied by a ceremonial parade of personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and the Veterans Association of Ghana. The parade featured five officers and 143 men and women, with the Air Force regimental band performing. The event began with a Bugle Call, a traditional signal inviting veterans to take their place on parade, a gesture reserved for those who have served the nation with distinction.

Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang led this year’s ceremony and laid a wreath on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana. The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, also laid a wreath on behalf of the security services, with additional tributes from the Veterans Association, traditional authorities, and families of the fallen.

Speakers at the event highlighted the importance of unity, patriotism, and national development, urging especially the youth to remember the sacrifices of previous generations and uphold the values of courage and service. Emotional family members watched as the national flag was raised and the Last Post sounded in honour of the ex-servicemen.

During the Second World War, soldiers from the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal Frontier Force fought alongside Allied forces. After the war, they were demobilised and received only modest gratuities, which they felt did not reflect their service and sacrifices. Repeated appeals to the colonial authorities were ignored, prompting the ex-servicemen to present their petition to the Governor, a protest that tragically ended with their deaths.