Vice-President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has joined the nation in commemorating the 78th anniversary of the historic 28th February Crossroads Shooting, describing the occasion as a solemn reminder of the price paid for Ghana’s freedom.
The ceremony, held in honour of the three ex-servicemen whose deaths intensified the country’s struggle for independence, brought together government officials, members of the armed forces, traditional leaders and citizens to pay tribute to the fallen patriots.
On February 28, 1948, Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey were shot at the crossroads in Osu while marching peacefully to present a petition to the colonial governor. Their deaths sparked widespread unrest and became a turning point in Ghana’s push toward independence.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President noted that the ultimate sacrifice of the three soldiers remains a powerful symbol of courage and patriotism. She stressed that the freedoms Ghanaians enjoy today were earned through sacrifice and must never be taken for granted.
She called on citizens to honour the memory of the fallen heroes not only through ceremony, but through commitment to national unity, good governance and responsible citizenship.
As wreaths were laid and prayers offered, the mood remained reflective. The annual commemoration continues to serve as a bridge between Ghana’s past and present, reminding younger generations of the resilience and determination that shaped the nation’s history.
Seventy-eight years on, the legacy of the three ex-servicemen endures as a rallying call for a stronger and more united Ghana, one that lives up to the ideals for which they laid down their lives.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson