The Eastern Regional Branch of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has commemorated the 43rd anniversary of the murder of three High Court judges and a military officer, collectively remembered as Martyrs of the Rule of Law.
The remembrance service, held on Monday in a solemn and poignant gathering at the Koforidua High Court ‘1’, was attended by justices of the superior and lower courts, legal practitioners, government officials and members of the public.
The service reaffirmed the commitment of the Bar to justice, legal independence, and constitutional governance, the service functioned not only as a solemn memorial, but also as a renewed pledge to uphold the principles of the rule of law and judicial independence in Ghana.
Speaking at the service, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the Eastern Regional Minister, paid tribute to the slain judge; Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, Justice Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong, and Justice Fred Poku Sarkodie as well as Major Sam Acquah.
She described their death as “one of the darkest, yet most defining chapters in our nation’s history.”
She added: “Their lives and tragic deaths remind us that justice is not simply a word, but a sacred duty that demands courage, impartiality and resilience.
“We must honour their legacy every day by building a society grounded in justice, transparency, and the respect for human rights.”
She urged all stakeholders, including the government, judiciary, the bar, civil society, and citizens, to protect judicial independence and ensure equitable access to justice.
She noted that the commemoration should be “not only a moment of grief, but also a call to action,” urging, “Let us resolve to nurture a generation of citizens, legal professionals and leaders who understand that the rule of law is the backbone of peace, development and national unity.”
Addressing the press later, Mr. Francis Polley, President of the GBA Eastern Region, stressed the continuing relevance of the martyrs’ legacy to Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
He said: “You know, we rely on the rule of law, and we think that is the cornerstone of democracy.
“These three high court judges were murdered because of the duties they performed to the state… It is right that we remember them and keep the legacy going.”
Mr. Polley also highlighted concerns over the safety of judges and legal professionals, describing the judiciary as “easy targets” due to their public visibility and the sensitive nature of the cases they preside over.
He said: “Criminals appear before them… most of these criminals have syndicates and cohorts,” he said. “They come to the court; they see the judge. So, the judge is not protected. The judge’s life will be lost if care is not taken.”
Mr. Polley recognised the difficulty in ensuring comprehensive security for all legal practitioners, but he urged the state to focus on the protection of judges and magistrates.
He highlighted the broader impact of the tragedy, reflecting how it has emboldened the judiciary.
“The legacy left behind by the historical justices is spurring other judges to deliver without fear or favour,” he noted, adding, “that should be the tenet of every judge. For democracy to thrive, we should have not only freedom, but we should also have justice.”
The annual remembrance serves as both a moral compass and a stark reminder of the sacrifices made to secure Ghana’s current judicial freedoms.
GNA
