On the night of June 30, 1982, Ghana witnessed a harrowing event: the abduction and brutal murder of three High Court judges—Justices Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, and Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong—and a retired army officer, Major Sam Acquah. Their charred bodies were discovered at the Bundase Military Range in the Accra Plains, a grim reminder of the perils faced by those upholding justice during tumultuous times.
Incident Details:
On June 30, 1982, during the hours of a nighttime curfew, the three judges and Major Acquah were forcibly taken from their homes. They were transported to the Bundase Military Range, where they were executed. Their bodies were doused with petrol and set ablaze in an attempt to conceal the crime. However, a heavy downpour that night extinguished the flames, preserving the remains and allowing for their subsequent discovery.
Victims' Profiles:
Justice Fred Poku Sarkodee: Born on August 26, 1927, in Koforidua, Eastern Region, Sarkodee began his education at the ECM School in Koforidua and continued at Adisadel College. He pursued legal studies in the United Kingdom and, upon his return to Ghana, joined the Attorney General's office, becoming a Senior Attorney in 1966 and later a High Court judge on May 22, 1971. He was known for advocating women's rights before the enactment of the 'Intestate Succession Law of 1985 (PNDCL III)', which protected married spouses under customary law.
Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addow: Born on March 24, 1936, in Assin Nsuta, she attended primary school at the Roman Catholic School at Assin Anyinabrim and the Assin Edubiase Methodist School. She furthered her education at Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) and Holy Child High School, completing her secondary education in 1959. She studied law at the University of Hull in the UK, was called to the Bar in 1963, and returned to Ghana in 1964. Appointed as a High Court judge in 1975, she was notable for challenging the transitional provisions of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) in the 1979 constitution, leading to the release of an AFRC convict. She also ruled in favor of businessman Shackleford, detained during Rawlings' 1979 revolution, finding no justification for his detention.
Justice Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong: Born in November 1926 in Oyoko, Ashanti Region, Agyapong attended Asokore Local Authority Methodist School and later Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast. He earned his Teachers' Certificate from Wesley College and pursued legal studies in London, being called to the Bar in 1960. Appointed as a High Court judge in 1977, he made history in 1980 by being the only High Court judge to sit on the transitional Supreme Court bench for a significant constitutional case involving the People's National Party (PNP) government and Dr. Kwame Amoako Tuffuor. He also chaired a committee investigating the Accra Railway shooting in May 1979, where a student was killed by a police constable, and criticized the police's use of ammunition during the peaceful student demonstration.
Major Sam Acquah (Retired): Serving as the Managing Director of the Ghana Industrial Holding Corporation (GIHOC), Major Acquah was also abducted and murdered on that fateful night. His involvement in the dismissal of agitating workers, including PNDC member Joachim Amartey Quaye, is believed to have been a factor leading to his targeting.
Investigation and Aftermath:
In response to public outrage, the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) established a Special Investigation Board, chaired by former Chief Justice Samuel Azu Crabbe, to probe the murders. The investigation led to the prosecution and execution of several individuals:
Joachim Amartey Kwei: A PNDC member implicated in orchestrating the abductions.
Lance Corporal Samuel Amedeka: Participated directly in the abductions and murders.
Lance Corporal Michael Senya: Also involved in the execution of the victims.
Ex-soldiers Johnny Dzandu and Tony Tekpor: Both played roles in the abduction and execution processes.
During the trial, Lance Corporal Amedeka escaped from custody and fled the country. The others were found guilty and sentenced to death. Tekpor, however, had already been executed for unrelated offenses prior to the conclusion of this trial.
Legacy:
To honor the memories of these martyrs, the Ghana Bar Association and the Judicial Service designated June 30th as Martyrs' Day. This annual commemoration serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and the rule of law. Busts of the three judges have been erected at the Supreme Court of Ghana, symbolizing their dedication, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice.
References:
Martyrs' Day: Remembering 1982 murder of three High Court Justices | Pulse Ghana:
Martyrs of the Rule of Law | Judicial Service of Ghana:
Meet the 3 High Court judges, soldier killed and burnt during
The killing of three High Court judges in Ghana on June 30, 1982, remains one of the darkest moments in the country’s history. The judges—Justices Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong, Fred Poku Sarkodie, and Cecilia Koranteng-Addow—were abducted and murdered during the rule of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), led by Jerry John Rawlings. Below are five major causes and effects of this tragic event:
Major Causes
Political Instability and Military Rule – Ghana experienced frequent coups and political turmoil in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The PNDC, which came to power through a coup in 1981, sought to eliminate individuals perceived as threats.
Judicial Decisions Against the PNDC's Interests – The murdered judges had overturned rulings that were unfavorable to individuals previously convicted under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) regime. Their decisions challenged the PNDC’s authority.
Revenge for Previous Convictions – Some of the judges had ruled on cases that led to the imprisonment of individuals connected to the military regime, leading to resentment within sections of the government and military.
Breakdown of Law and Order – The PNDC’s governance style encouraged lawlessness, and some officials operated with impunity, enabling such assassinations.
Complicity of Key Government Officials – Elements within the PNDC, particularly members of its security apparatus, were implicated in orchestrating the killings, as later confirmed by the Special Investigation Board (SIB).
Major Effects
National and International Outrage – The killings sparked widespread condemnation, both in Ghana and internationally, as a blatant attack on the judiciary and rule of law.
Loss of Public Trust in the PNDC Government – Many Ghanaians began to question the legitimacy of the military regime, leading to increased opposition against Rawlings' administration.
Creation of the Special Investigation Board (SIB) – In response to the outcry, the PNDC established the SIB to investigate the murders, leading to the conviction and execution of key suspects, including Joachim Amartey Kwei, a PNDC member.
Strengthening of Ghana’s Judiciary and Democracy – The killings underscored the need for judicial independence and accountability, influencing future democratic reforms in Ghana.
Annual Commemoration of Martyrs’ Day – The incident led to the establishment of Martyrs’ Day, observed every June 30 to honor the memory of the slain judges and reinforce the importance of judicial independence.