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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