The 1948 shooting is widely regarded as a turning point in Ghana’s independence. struggle, sparking widespread protests and accelerating demands for self-rule, which eventually led to independence in 1957.
Ghana has marked the 78th anniversary of the February 28,Crossroads Shooting with a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the historic Christianborg Crossroads, honouring three ex-servicemen whose deaths became a catalyst in the country’s fight for independence.
Ghana marks 28th February Christiansburg Crossroads shooting
The ceremony commemorated Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey, who were tragically shot on February 28, 1948, while peacefully marching to present a petition to the then Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Sir Gerald Creasy, seeking better conditions and fair treatment for ex-servicemen. Their deaths sparked national outrage, leading to widespread protests that would ultimately strengthen the call for self-governance.
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang laid a wreath on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana, describing the fallen soldiers as enduring symbols of courage and sacrifice.
Ghana remembers 28th February crossroads shooting incident
The Chief of the Defence Staff, William Agyapong, represented the security services, while Peter Kofi Faidoo paid tribute on behalf of ex-servicemen and women. Traditional authorities were present, including the Osu Alata Mantse, Nii Kwabena Bonne V, alongside family members of Corporal Attipoe, who honored the memory of the fallen heroes.
The ceremony featured a moving recounting of the tragic events of 1948, followed by the sounding of the Last Post, a minute of silence, and the Reveille, symbolically honouring the departed soldiers.
The Crossroads Shooting is remembered as a critical moment in Ghana’s independence journey.
The deaths of Adjetey, Attipoe, and Lamptey galvanised the population, inspiring mass protests and political mobilisation that laid the groundwork for the country’s eventual independence in 1957.
Watch the video below:
JKB/EB
We didn’t arrest the dollar, we strengthened the cedi to fight other currencies – Mahama
