By Mercy Darko
Today marks the Diamond Jubilee of the 28th Christiansborg crossroad shooting, which led to the death of three ex-servicemen. A wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremony have been held at Nationalism Park to commemorate the day. The ceremony has been held over the years to honour the three fallen heroes who were killed by the colonial police on their way to present a petition to the then Governor.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Ministers of State, and Service Commanders, among others, graced the occasion.
The 28th February Christianborg Crossroads shooting incident is observed annually to honour the defenceless Ex-Servicemen who were killed by the Colonial Police while marching peacefully to the Osu Castle to present a petition to the then Governor.
The three Ex-Servicemen were Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey, all members of the then Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force, that fought alongside the allied forces during the Second World War.
The Executive Director of the Veteran Administration, Ghana, VAG, Capt. Ben Edmund Duah(rtd) gave a brief history of the 28th February Christiansborg Crossroads shooting incident.
A contingent made up of the Ghana Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Service, and the Veterans Administration of Ghana were present to mark the day. Ex-Warrant Class Officer Samuel Koranteng announced the roll call. The sounding of the last post, a minute of silence and the reveille were observed as part of the flag-raising ceremony.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and the people of Ghana. The Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, laid one on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces and other security services. The Board Chairman of the Veterans Administration, Ghana, Major General Clayton Banoba, laid on behalf of the Veterans Administration of Ghana.
The Osu Alata Mantse, Nii Kwabena Bonnie, laid a wreath on behalf of the Traditional Rulers. A representative of the late Private Odartey David Hammond laid a wreath on behalf of the fallen heroes. Present at the ceremony include the Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul and the Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery, some students from among other key dignitaries.
Prayers were said for the love, dedication, and service the three soldiers rendered to the country during the colonial era and for peace and stability in Ghana and the world.