Accra, Ghana — Standing solemnly in front of Ghana’s Supreme Court are three statues commemorating the “martyrs of the law,” a grim reminder of a dark chapter in the country’s judicial history. These statues honor the lives and sacrifices of three high court judges who were tragically murdered in 1982, a turbulent period marked by political instability and violence.
The events leading to their deaths began with a coup in 1981 when former president Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings took power, ousting the then-president Dr. Hilla Limann. Rawlings established the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) to govern the nation. However, less than a year into its rule, on June 30, 1982, a heinous act shook the nation to its core.
On that fateful night, three High Court judges – Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, Justice Frederick Poku Sarkodee, and Justice Kwadwo Ageyi Agyapong – along with a retired army officer, Major Sam Acquah, were forcibly taken from their homes. Their lives were brutally ended, and their bodies were burnt at the Bundase Military Training Camp near Accra. Investigations and public sentiment pointed towards a vendetta against the judges, who had often ruled unfavorably against the military regime then in power.
Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addow was among those targeted. Born on March 24, 1936, at Assin Nsuta, she pursued law in the United Kingdom and returned to serve her country. Her professional decisions, particularly her rulings during the AFRC regime, likely marked her for the fatal retribution that followed. Similarly, Justice Frederick Poku Sarkodee, who had been an advocate for women’s rights and Justice Kwadwo Ageyi Agyapong, who stood for constitutional integrity, found themselves victims of the same tragedy.
Major Sam Acquah, also abducted and killed that night, was then serving as Managing Director of the Ghana Industrial Holding Corporation (GIHOC). His suspected involvement in labor disputes at GIHOC likely led to his demise.
The uproar that followed the murders compelled the Rawlings government to set up a Special Investigation Board. This investigative body uncovered that the abductions and subsequent murders were orchestrated by members within the PNDC itself. Notably implicated were individuals such as Lance Corporal Samuel Amedeka and other military members, revealing an internal plot steeped in political and personal vendettas.
The board’s recommendations led to the prosecution of several culprits. In 1983, some were convicted and executed by firing squad. However, despite these actions, true closure has eluded many as debates and speculations continue about the extent of Rawlings’ involvement in the incident.
Over 40 years later, the incident still resonates in Ghana, influencing public perceptions of judicial independence and the potential perils faced by those in positions of legal authority. The statues in front of the Supreme Court serve not only as a memorial to the fallen judges but also as a solemn reminder of the need for constant vigilance to protect democracy and justice in Ghana.
This tragic event underscores the complex interplay between politics and the judiciary, highlighting the essential need for a robust and independent judicial system, free from the shadows of political interference and retribution. As Ghana continues to navigate its democratic journey, the legacy of the martyrs of the law serves as both a beacon of hope and a cautionary tale.