The 28th February Crossroads Shooting: The Spark That Ignited Ghana’s Independence

On the 28th of February 1948, the streets of Accra witnessed an event that would forever alter the course of Ghana’s history. What began as a peaceful march by unarmed ex-servicemen demanding the fulfillment of promises made to them after World War II turned into a tragic episode of police brutality. The deaths of Sergeant Nii Adjetey, Corporal Patrick Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey at the hands of colonial forces do not only shook the foundations of the British administration but also served as the catalyst for Ghana’s journey to independence.

The Build-Up: A Nation on the Brink

Having fought valiantly alongside British troops in Burma as part of the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force, the ex-servicemen returned home to a harsh reality—broken promises, unpaid pensions, and no employment opportunities. Their frustration was further exacerbated by the economic hardships of the time, which had led to widespread discontent across the colony.

Adding fuel to the fire was the boycott of European imports, led by the influential Ga chief, Nii Kwabena Bonne III. The boycott, which began in January 1948, was a protest against the exorbitant prices of European goods imposed by the Association of West African Merchants (AWAM). This movement had already heightened tensions in Accra and other major towns.

The Day That Changed History

On that fateful day, the ex-servicemen set out on a peaceful march towards Christiansborg Castle, the residence of the colonial Governor, Sir Gerald Creasy. Their objective was simple—to present a petition requesting their long-overdue pensions and compensation. This move was ignited because their grievances were long-standing. However, as they approached the crossroads leading to the castle, they were stopped by British colonial police.

Superintendent Colin Imray, the British officer in charge, ordered his men to open fire on the unarmed marchers. When they hesitated, Imray himself took a rifle and shot at the protest leaders, killing Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey. Several others were injured. The shocking and brutal act sent shockwaves through Accra, and within hours, the city erupted into riots. Shops owned by Europeans and Asians were looted, and for the next five days, chaos reigned across the Gold Coast.

The Aftermath: A Nation Awakens

The colonial government responded swiftly, declaring a state of emergency and imposing a curfew. Press censorship was enforced, and the British Parliament was informed that the situation was spiraling out of control.

In response, the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), led by the renowned “Big Six”—Kwame Nkrumah, J.B. Danquah, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, and William Ofori Atta—sent a strongly worded telegram to the British Secretary of State, demanding immediate constitutional reforms. The UGCC blamed Governor Creasy, whom they mockingly called “Crazy Creasy,” for mishandling the crisis and demanded a government that truly represented the people.

On March 12, 1948, the colonial authorities arrested the Big Six, holding them responsible for inciting the riots. Their imprisonment only elevated their status as national heroes and intensified the clamor for independence.

The Road to Freedom

The British government, recognizing the urgency of the situation, set up the Watson Commission to investigate the root causes of the unrest. The commission’s findings concluded that the 1946 constitution was inadequate and recommended that the Gold Coast be allowed to draft its own constitution.

In the wake of the report, a constitutional drafting committee was formed, paving the way for self-governance. However, tensions within the UGCC led to a split, with Kwame Nkrumah forming the Convention People’s Party (CPP) in 1949, advocating for immediate independence through a campaign of “Positive Action.”

On 6 March 1957, less than a decade after the Crossroads Shooting Incident, Ghana became the first African nation to gain independence from colonial rule. The sacrifices of the fallen ex-servicemen were not in vain.

Honoring the Heroes: Keeping the Memory Alive

Seventy-seven years after the tragic incident, Ghana continues to honor the legacy of Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey. On 28 February 2023, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Freedom Monument in Osu to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the incident. The event saw Ghana’s former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, laying a wreath on behalf of the government and people of Ghana, with additional tributes from security services, veterans, and traditional leaders.

Commemorations in 2025: Rekindling National Memory

As Ghana marks the 77th anniversary of the Crossroads Shooting Incident and the 68th Independence Anniversary in 2025, a series of national events have been planned to educate and engage the populace:

• February 28, 2025 – Commemoration of the 28th February Crossroad Shooting Incident
• March 2, 2025 – Finals of a nationwide school quiz competition to educate students on Ghana’s history.
• March 4, 2025 – Finals of a nationwide debate competition, encouraging intellectual discussions on Ghana’s journey to independence.
• March 5, 2025 – President’s School Children Awards Programme, recognizing academic excellence.
• March 6, 2025 – Ceremonial parade at the forecourt of the Presidency, marking Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations.

The National Celebrations Planning Committee (NCPC) is spearheading these activities with a strong emphasis on educating the youth about the significance of the Crossroads Shooting Incident. Through television, radio, and social media campaigns, the Communications Subcommittee of the NCPC aims to reignite national interest in this pivotal moment in Ghana’s history.

Lessons from the Past: The Changing Face of Civil Protest

As part of the commemoration, a special X-space conversation titled “The Changing Face of Civil Protests in Ghana: Lessons from the Past and Present” will be held. This discussion aims to draw parallels between historical protests and modern-day demonstrations, examining how civic activism has evolved over the decades.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Lives On

The 28th February Crossroads Shooting Incident stands as a powerful reminder of the price of freedom. The sacrifice of those ex-servicemen galvanized a nation to rise against colonial rule, leading to the birth of modern Ghana.

As Ghana prepares to mark the 77th anniversary of this historic event, it is imperative that the younger generation remains informed about the struggles that paved the way for independence. Their courage, resilience, and ultimate sacrifice should inspire future generations to uphold the principles of justice, democracy, and national unity.

The memory of Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey will forever remain etched in the annals of Ghanaian history. Their blood was the ink that wrote the first chapter of Ghana’s independence story—a legacy that must never be forgotten.