President and his Vice attend Martyrs’ Day

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo and his vice, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, joined members of the “Bench and Bar”, to observe the 36th remembrance service held for the three High Court judges, murdered in the fiery days of the December 31 revolution.

Also present were Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, the Speaker of Parliament, Justice Sophia Akuffo, Chief Justice (CJ), Ms Gloria Afua Akuffo, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Ministers of State, and Members of Parliament.

Justice Fred Poku Sarkodee, Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addow and Justice Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong, alongside a retired army officer, Major Acquah, were abducted from their homes and cruelly murdered on July 1, 1982.

The two-hour solemn service was held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra.

Scripture readings were done by the CJ and the Minister of Justice and tributes read to the memory of the three departed justices.

The Reverend Dr George O. Kwapong, District Minister of Tema North of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in a sermon charged judges and lawyers “to serve and accomplish their purposes in life as the martyrs”.

He reminded them to make sure that they stood on the side of what was right and just.

He said the murdered judges “might not have acquired property but they kept their reputation and served their country by fighting for the democracy”.

Speaking on the theme: “The day will surely give way to the night,” the Rev Dr Kwapong asked them to see their position as an opportunity to cause transformation while it was “day” as time was limited.

It was important for all to recognize that they would one day account for their own actions and inactions.

The Ghana Bar Association and Judiciary every year organize a remembrance service for the murdered judges.