The 28th February 1948 Crossroads Shooting: The Tragic Event That Sparked Ghana’s Independence Movement

The 28th February 1948 Crossroads Shooting was a tragic event that became a pivotal moment in Ghana’s struggle for independence

Full History of the 28th February 1948 Crossroads Shooting

It involved the killing of three unarmed ex-servicemen by British colonial police in Accra, an incident that intensified nationalist agitation and eventually led to Ghana’s independence in 1957.

Background: The Plight of the Ex-Servicemen

During World War II (1939-1945), thousands of Gold Coast (now Ghanaian) soldiers were recruited to fight for the British Empire, particularly in Burma, India, and North Africa. These soldiers, known as the Gold Coast Regiment, fought bravely but were promised pensions, compensation, and employment upon their return home.

However, after the war ended, these ex-servicemen were neglected by the colonial government. They received little to no compensation, struggled with unemployment, and were treated unfairly compared to their British counterparts. Their frustration grew, leading them to organize protests demanding their rightful benefits.

The Events of 28th February 1948

On February 28, 1948, a peaceful demonstration of ex-servicemen took place in Accra. The ex-soldiers, numbering about 200, marched from the Veterans’ Hall towards the Governor’s residence, the Christiansborg Castle, to present a petition demanding their unpaid war benefits.

As they approached the Christiansborg Crossroads, they were confronted by a detachment of colonial police officers led by Superintendent Colin Imray. The ex-servicemen were unarmed and insisted on delivering their petition peacefully. However, Imray ordered them to disperse. When they refused, he opened fire on them, killing three ex-servicemen and injuring others.

The three men who lost their lives were:

1. Sergeant Cornelius Frederick Adjetey
2. Corporal Patrick Attipoe
3. Private Odartey Lamptey

Their deaths sent shockwaves across the Gold Coast and beyond.

Aftermath: The Catalyst for Independence

News of the shootings quickly spread, sparking widespread riots in Accra and other parts of the country. Angry civilians attacked European-owned businesses, looted shops, and burned colonial buildings. The colonial government declared a state of emergency and imposed curfews.

In response, the British authorities arrested The Big Six—key leaders of the nationalist movement, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. J.B. Danquah, Edward Akufo-Addo, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, and William Ofori Atta—accusing them of inciting the riots.

The shooting incident and the subsequent protests pressured the British government to review its policies. In 1949, the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and the newly formed Convention People’s Party (CPP) intensified their push for self-rule. By 1951, Kwame Nkrumah and his party won elections, setting the stage for Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957.

Legacy and Remembrance

Today, the 28th February Road in Accra, where the shootings took place, stands as a memorial site honoring the fallen soldiers. A monument, known as the “28th February Road Crossroads Shooting Monument,” was erected to commemorate their sacrifice.

Every year, Ghana observes 28th February as a day of remembrance for the ex-servicemen who played a crucial role in the fight for independence.

This tragic yet significant event remains one of the defining moments in Ghana’s journey toward self-governance.

Last Updated on May 11, 2025 by samboad