By Rachel Quartey and Rukayatu Musah
A flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony has been held in Accra to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the 28th February 1948 Christiansborg Crossroads shooting.
The annual event honoured the memory of three ex-servicemen — Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey — who were shot and killed by colonial police while marching peacefully to present a petition to the Governor at Osu Castle. The petition demanded the payment of war gratuities following their service in the Second World War.
The ceremony was led by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and brought together government officials, the security service, traditional leaders and students.
Among the dignitaries present were Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohunu, Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Dr. Alex Segbefia, Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi, and Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and the people of Ghana, while Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General William Agyapong laid a wreath on behalf of the security services. Additional wreaths were laid by representatives of the Veterans Association of Ghana, traditional authorities in Osu and families of the fallen soldiers.
A ceremonial parade involving personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Veterans Association added a solemn touch to the commemoration.
