Ghana observes the 64th anniversary of 28th February shooting incident

Accra, Feb 28, GNA - It was a solemn moment for those who attended the 64th Anniversary of the 28th February Christiansburg Crossroad Shooting Incident at the Freedom Monument near the Independence Square in Accra on Tuesday.

The anniversary which is celebrated every year, is in remembrance of the three ex-servicemen who were shot dead in 1948 by the colonial police led by Superintendent Imray, a British, while they were marching peacefully to the Osu Castle to present a petition to the then Governor on their gratuities.

The ex-servicemen were Sergeant Peter Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey.

The programme which started with both Christian and Muslim prayers was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, ex-servicemen, security agency officials, the diplomatic corps and members of the public.

There was a parade mounted by 150 men and women drawn from the Army, the Navy, Police and the Air force.

Spectators also had their fair share of the discomfort by constantly standing up on the arrival of dignitaries and the playing of patriotic songs by the Armed Forces Band.

The most solemn moment came when names of the war veterans were called out one after the other.

The response of “absent sir” was heard from the veterans when the name of a departed colleague was mentioned three times.

Wreathes were laid by the Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama on behalf of the Government and the people of Ghana, while Real Admiral Mathew Quarshie who is the Acting Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) also laid one on behalf of the security services.

Commodore Steve Obimpeh, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG), also laid one on behalf of the veterans while Mr Michael Attipoe, a relative of Corporal Attipoe laid the last one on behalf of the fallen soldiers.

The programme which lasted for less than an hour came to an end after a national salute and the departure of Vice President Mahama and his entourage.

GNA