28/02/2026
As Ghana marks 69 years of remembrance, we honour three brave ex-servicemen whose sacrifice accelerated our march toward freedom: Sergeant Cornelius Francis Adjetey, Corporal Patrick Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey.
World War II veterans of the Gold Coast Regiment (Royal West African Frontier Force), marched peacefully to Christiansborg Castle, Osu, on 28 February 1948 to petition Governor Sir Gerald Creasy for the pensions, benefits, and jobs that were promised for their service, which had not been kept when they returned to the country.
They were met with gunfire. British Police Superintendent Colin Imray shot the leaders, killing Adjetey, Attipoe, and Odartey Lamptey. Their deaths sparked nationwide outrage, helping ignite the 1948 Accra riots. This was a turning point that strengthened the anti-colonial movement and paved the way to Ghana’s independence.
This art piece, Amɛkɔ (Control), reflects the early era of colonisation, when three key coastal forts (Christiansborg Castle (Osu Castle), James Fort and Ussher Fort) were built to tighten control over trade and territory. It also honours three brave ex-servicemen whose sacrifice helped shape Ghana’s path to freedom: Sergeant Cornelius Francis Adjetey, Corporal Patrick Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey. 🇬🇭
