Monday, October 7, 2013

28 Feb Christianborg Crossraods Shooting Remembered


By Edmund Mingle & Collins Boateng
Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur yesterday presided over the commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the 28th February Christianborg Crossroads Shooting at the Freedom Monument at Osu in Accra.

The solemn ceremony, which was characterised by a parade by both serving and ex-service soldiers, wreathing laying and the sounding of the last post, takes place annually in honour of the three soldiers who were killed during a pre-independence agitation.

Sergeant Adjetey , Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey were killed when a British Superintendent, Imray, fired at a group of unarmed ex-servicemen who were marching peacefully to the Osu Castle on that day in 1948 to present a petition to the Governor.

The war veterans were going to petition the Governor for improved gratuity after their participation in the world war.

The killings resulted in more agitations across the country, and culminated in the speeding up of the processes towards the attainment of independence from the colonial government.

As part of this year’s commemoration, the busts of the three killed ex-servicemen were unveiled, in recognition of their sacrifice for the nation.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur laid a wreath on behalf of the government and Ghanaians, while the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Peter Augustine Blay, laid one on behalf of the security services.
 Commodore (Rtd) Steve Obimpeh, Chairman of the Veterans Administration of Ghana (VAG) laid a wreath on behalf of the surviving war veterans, while Nii Dodoo Nsaki II, representing the Ga Traditional Council, laid another on behalf traditional leaders, with David Hammond, head of the Private Odartey Lamptey’s family, laying a wreath on behalf of the families of the three fallen ex-soldiers.

After the sounding of the last post, the reveille was blown after which a minute’s silence was observed in honour of the three ex-servicemen.

Prayers were also said for the repose of their souls and for strength for the surviving war veterans.
Vice President Amissah-Arthur, before departing the venue, interacted with the surviving war veterans, and assured them of their improved welfare.
END

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