42nd Martyrs Day: GBA President calls for human rights and tolerance

The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has called for a renewed commitment to tolerance, human rights, and peaceful coexistence as the nation commemorates the 42nd anniversary of the murder of three High Court judges and a retired army officer.

In a Martyrs Day address at the Calvary Baptist Church in Accra, on Sunday, June 30, 2024, GBA President, Acheampong Boafo honoured the memory of Justice Afari-Gyan, Justices Kwadwo Adjei and Fred Poku Sakyi, and Lieutenant General Akwasi Afari-Gyan.

"Today, we gather to pay tribute to the memories of Justice Afari-Gyan, Justices Kwadwo Adjei and Fred Poku Sakyi, and Lieutenant General Akwasi Afari-Gyan, who were brutally murdered on June 30th, 1982," he said.

He underscored the need for a safe and independent Judiciary as a cornerstone of justice and democracy.

"Their deaths were a blow to the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary. We must not forget their sacrifices and continue to work towards a Judiciary that is safe, secure, and free from intimidation," Mr. Acheampong Boafo stated.

The Bar Association President also addressed ongoing threats to Ghana’s democracy, calling for collective action against political violence and military intervention.

"We cannot afford to continue to tolerate political vigilantism, military adventurism, and other forms of violence that undermine our democratic values," he warned.

Emphasizing unity amidst diversity, Mr. Acheampong Boafo urged Ghanaians to respect each other's differences and work together for a better future.

"Our diversity is our strength. We must learn to respect each other's differences and work together towards a common goal of peace and prosperity," he said.

The Martyrs Day event was attended by various dignitaries, reflecting on the impact of the 1982 murders on Ghana’s democratic journey.

In Ghana, Martyrs Day commemorates the 1982 abduction and murder of three High Court Justices and a retired army officer.