On 28 February 1948, a tragic event unfolded in Ghana’s struggle for independence when three World War II veterans—Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey—were shot and killed by a British major.
The veterans, who had fought for the British Empire during the war, were leading a peaceful protest to the Governor’s residence to demand their unpaid benefits.
Their grievances, which had long been ignored, reflected the broader frustrations of ex-servicemen who had returned home to economic hardship and neglect.
As the unarmed veterans marched to present their petition, they were confronted by colonial police, and in a shocking display of force, the British major opened fire, killing the three men.
The incident sparked widespread unrest across the country, fuelling nationalist movements that eventually led to Ghana’s independence in 1957.
The Ghana Museums and Monuments Board commemorated this historic event in a post on X today, reminding Ghanaians of the sacrifices made in the fight against colonial rule.
The 28 February shooting remains a significant moment in Ghana’s history, symbolising the resilience and courage of those who fought for justice and independence.
Today in History, On Feb 28, 1948, Three Ghanaian World War II veterans: Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, & Private Odartey Lamptey were shot by a british major while attempting to deliver a petition to the then british Governor demanding unpaid benefits in a peaceful protest. pic.twitter.com/RMcuJMu0wZ
— GHANA FACTS & HISTORY (@GhanaianMuseum) February 28, 2025
The post Today in History: The 1948 shooting of Ghanaian WWII veterans appeared first on MyNewsGh.
