Ghana on Saturday marked the 78th anniversary of the 28th February Crossroads Shooting with a solemn flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony to honour three ex-servicemen whose deaths helped ignite the country’s struggle for independence.

The event, held at the historic Christianborg Crossroads, commemorated Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey, who were shot in 1948 while marching to present a petition to then Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Sir Gerald Creasy.

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang laid a wreath on behalf of the President and the people of Ghana, describing the fallen soldiers as symbols of courage and national sacrifice.

“Their sacrifice reminds us that our freedom was won at a great cost, and we must continue to protect it,” she said.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, William Agyapong, laid a wreath on behalf of the security services, while Peter Kofi Faidoo, National Chairman of the Veterans Association of Ghana, represented ex-servicemen and women.

Traditional authorities were also represented by the Osu Alata Mantse, Nii Kwabena Bonne V, while members of Corporal Attipoe’s family paid tribute to the fallen soldiers.

The ceremony featured a recounting of the events of February 28, 1948, followed by the sounding of the Last Post, a minute of silence, and the Reveille in honour of the departed heroes.

The 1948 shooting is widely regarded as a turning point in Ghana’s independence struggle, sparking widespread protests and accelerating demands for self-rule, which eventually led to independence in 1957.

After the formal ceremony, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang interacted with veterans alongside Deputy Minister of Defence Ernest Brogya Genfi, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Akweley Ocloo, and Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Alex Segbefia.

The annual observance continues to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the three ex-servicemen and their enduring place in Ghana’s democratic and political history.