Ghana Bar Association remembers slain judges

At a solemn ceremony marking the 43rd anniversary of the tragic murder of three High Court Judges and a retired army officer, the National President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mrs Efua Ghartey, renewed the Association’s fervent call for an independent and interference-free Judiciary.

Addressing dignitaries, legal professionals, and family members of the slain judges at the memorial service held at the Supreme Court of Ghana, Mrs Ghartey emphasised that “justice must be administered without fear or favour” and reaffirmed the GBA’s unwavering commitment to defending the sanctity and independence of the Judiciary.

The remembrance commemorated the brutal abduction and murder of Justices Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong and Major Sam Acquah on June 30, 1982- a dark day in Ghana’s legal and democratic history.

The killings, which occurred during curfew hours and involved the victims being burned at the Bundase Military Range, shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation, ultimately prompting an extensive investigation and prosecution under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) regime.

Reflecting on those tragic events, Madam Ghartey recounted her own youthful memory of learning about the disappearance of Justice Koranteng-Addow through a friend.

Her personal recollection lent poignant depth to the ceremony, as she described the confusion, fear, and sorrow experienced by those close to the victims.

“Their loss was not just personal—it was national. These judges died in the line of duty, upholding the rule of law in one of Ghana’s most trying times. We must never forget what they stood for,” she said.

Her speech also addressed recent calls for reconsideration of the ongoing suspension of the current Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude A.S. Torkornoo.

Madam Ghartey warned that politicising judicial processes or targeting judges could erode public trust and set dangerous precedents.

“The GBA joins other legal bodies, including the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, in urging fairness and transparency in any judicial review or disciplinary process.

“This is not about personalities; it’s about principle and due process,” she stated.

Scriptures were read by Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and Chief State Attorney Jonathan Acquah, representing the Attorney General.

The readings, taken from Micah 6:6–8 and Philippians 4:4–8, underscored themes of justice, humility, and mercy.

As the ceremony concluded, Madam Ghartey issued a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to uphold peace and resist the urge for revenge politics.

“Let us honour the memory of these martyrs not with rhetoric, but by ensuring that our institutions remain strong, just, and impartial. May the Rule of Law reign supreme in our land. And may we never forget what they lived and died for.”

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