The killing of three High Court judges and a retired army officer in Ghana on June 30, 1982, is widely regarded as a grave and unjustifiable act of violence. The victims, Justices Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, Frederick Poku Sarkodee, and Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong, along with retired Major Sam Acquah, were abducted from their homes and brutally murdered at the Bundase Military Range near Accra.
Key Facts About the Incident:
– Date and Time: The abductions occurred between 9:00 pm and 10:30 pm on June 30, 1982.
– Location: The victims were taken to the Bundase military firing range near Accra, where they were executed and their bodies set on fire.
– Perpetrators: Although investigations pointed to involvement by members of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), led by Jerry John Rawlings, and specifically Captain Kojo Tsikata, lack of evidence prevented further action against them. However, some sources mention Lance Corporal Samuel K. Amedeka and others as perpetrators.
– Legacy: The incident led to a renewed demand for human rights, the rule of law, and judicial independence in Ghana.
Impact on Ghana:
– Judicial Independence: The killings underscored the need for judicial independence and accountability, influencing future democratic reforms.
– Martyrs’ Day: June 30 is commemorated annually as Martyrs’ Day to honor the memory of the slain judges and reinforce the importance of judicial independence..
The event remains a dark chapter in Ghana’s history, symbolizing the struggle for justice and democracy. It has had a lasting impact on the country’s development, emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights and the rule of law.