Crossroads shooting remembered

A solemn but colourful ceremony was on Friday held at the Freedom Monument, near the Independence Square, Accra, to commemorate the killing of three soldiers in the Christianburg Crossroads Shooting Incident on February 28 1948.

The British Colonialists killed the three when they opened fire on a group of Ex-Servicemen on a peaceful march to the Castle, Osu to present a petition to the then Governor of the Gold Coast.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Police Service and members of the Veterans Association of Ghana attended the ceremony, the 55th anniversary of the incident.

Dr Kwame Addo-Kufour, Minister of Defence was the guest of honour.

After traditional, Muslim and Christian prayers were said, Ex-Warrant Officer Borketey John took a roll call of the gallant veterans.

Their colleagues prayed for the departed soldiers.

Ex WO II John Banini then read a brief history of the incident, referred to as the 28th February Christianburg Crossroads Shooting Incident, after which flags were hoisted after the sounding of the last post after which a minute silence was observed for the dead.

Dr Addo-Kufuor walked solemnly to the cenotaph and laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana.

Lieutenant General Seth Obeng, Chief of Defence Staff, followed with one on behalf of the Security Services, Lt. Gen. Ocran (Rtd) laid one for the Veterans Association of Ghana, and Nii Kojo Ababio, representing the Ga Mantse, laid one on behalf of traditional rulers.

Among the Ministers of State present were Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Sheikh Ibrahim Cudjoe Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister and Mr Joe Aggrey, Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports.

The 28th February Christianburg Crossroad shooting incident is celebrated every year to honour the defenceless Ex-servicemen, who in 1948 were killed by the Colonialists while they were marching peacefully to the Osu Castle to present a petition to the then Governor.