Today marks 43 years since one of the darkest and most sobering events in Ghana’s judicial and political history — the abduction and murder of three High Court judges and a retired army officer on the night of June 30, 1982.
The victims — Justices Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong, and Major Sam Acquah (Rtd.) — were taken from their homes during curfew hours in Accra, at a time when Ghana was under military rule led by the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).
The following morning, on July 1, 1982, as Ghanaians prepared to celebrate Republic Day, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) announced that judges were to be given armed security — a cryptic notice that soon became horrifyingly clear.
Days later, the charred and decomposed bodies of the abductees were discovered at the Bundase Military Range in the Accra Plains. Their killers had doused them in petrol and set them ablaze, but a heavy downpour that night extinguished the flames before the remains were completely destroyed.
The killings shocked the nation and drew condemnation from Ghanaians across all walks of life. Public outrage pushed the PNDC government to act. A Special Investigation Board (SIB) was formed, led by former Chief Justice Samuel Azu Crabbe, with lead investigator Chief Superintendent Jacob Yidana, whose efforts were widely praised.
The SIB’s report identified several individuals involved in the crime, including Joachim Amartey Kwei, a PNDC member, and soldiers L/Cpls Samuel Amedeka, Michael Senyah, Johnny Dzandu, and Tony Tekpor. The suspects were arrested and tried. Though Amedeka escaped and was convicted in absentia, the rest were found guilty and sentenced to death. Tekpor, however, was reportedly executed earlier by a separate tribunal.
Justice Fred Poku Sarkodee
Justice Sarkodee was known for his deep sense of fairness, civility, and progressive jurisprudence. Appointed to the High Court in 1971, he made significant contributions in the areas of family and property law.
In his landmark judgment in Abebreseh v Kaah (1976), he emphasized the contributions of wives to matrimonial property — a ruling seen as progressive in a deeply patriarchal legal culture. In Addo v Addo (1973), he defined prolonged denial of conjugal rights as “unreasonable behaviour,” laying the groundwork for modern interpretations of spousal duties.
Off the bench, he was known for his warm personality and love of sports — a keen golfer and tennis player. Justice Sarkodee was married to Yvonne Sarkodee and fathered five children. He is remembered for balancing judicial wisdom with human kindness.
⚖️ Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addow
The only woman among the slain, Justice Koranteng-Addow was a trailblazer. Born on May 24, 1936, she attended Holy Child School, studied law at University of Hull in the UK, and was called to the English Bar (Lincoln’s Inn) in 1963. She was appointed to Ghana’s High Court in 1975.
Her court rulings during Ghana’s turbulent political transitions demonstrated exceptional bravery. In one high-profile case, she ordered the release of an individual detained under the AFRC regime — a decision that drew attention from political actors and later, tragically, made her a target.
She was also a fierce advocate for women’s education and empowerment, founding the Esi Afran Foundation to support girls in rural communities. A devoted mother of four, she was married to Gustav Koranteng-Addow, former Attorney-General of Ghana. Her intellect, independence, and unwavering ethics left a powerful legacy for generations of female legal professionals.
Profiles in Service and Integrity
- Justice Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong
Born in November 1926, Justice Agyapong was a distinguished legal scholar and educator before joining the bench. He attended Mfantsipim School, proceeded to King’s College London, and was called to the Inner Temple in 1960. He served as a teacher and administrator before becoming a judge in 1977.
Justice Agyapong was widely admired for his discipline, humility, and thorough approach to the law. He chaired several public inquiries, including one into the Accra Railway Shooting, and briefly served on the Supreme Court Review Committee for constitutional reform.
Married to Comfort Agyapong and father of ten children, including prominent politician Kwabena Agyapong, he was a devoted family man. His bust now stands at the Supreme Court forecourt, a reminder of integrity and balance on the bench.
2. Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addow
The only woman among the slain, Justice Koranteng-Addow was a trailblazer. Born on May 24, 1936, she attended Holy Child School, studied law at University of Hull in the UK, and was called to the English Bar (Lincoln’s Inn) in 1963. She was appointed to Ghana’s High Court in 1975.
Her court rulings during Ghana’s turbulent political transitions demonstrated exceptional bravery. In one high-profile case, she ordered the release of an individual detained under the AFRC regime — a decision that drew attention from political actors and later, tragically, made her a target.
She was also a fierce advocate for women’s education and empowerment, founding the Esi Afran Foundation to support girls in rural communities. A devoted mother of four, she was married to Gustav Koranteng-Addow, former Attorney-General of Ghana. Her intellect, independence, and unwavering ethics left a powerful legacy for generations of female legal professionals.
3. Justice Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong
Born in November 1926, Justice Agyapong was a distinguished legal scholar and educator before joining the bench. He attended Mfantsipim School, proceeded to King’s College London, and was called to the Inner Temple in 1960. He served as a teacher and administrator before becoming a judge in 1977.
Justice Agyapong was widely admired for his discipline, humility, and thorough approach to the law. He chaired several public inquiries, including one into the Accra Railway Shooting, and briefly served on the Supreme Court Review Committee for constitutional reform.
Married to Comfort Agyapong and father of ten children, including prominent politician Kwabena Agyapong, he was a devoted family man. His bust now stands at the Supreme Court forecourt, a reminder of integrity and balance on the bench.
4. Major Sam Acquah (Retired)
While not a judge, Major Sam Acquah (Rtd.) was a senior retired officer of the Ghana Armed Forces and was targeted alongside the judges. Though not as publicly profiled, he is honoured equally for his sacrifice. His inclusion in the Martyrs’ Day observance reflects the breadth of lives affected by unchecked political violence.
Their monuments now stand in the forecourt of the Supreme Court, a solemn tribute to their service and sacrifice. Every year, June 30 is marked as Martyrs’ Day, honoring these judicial figures whose commitment to justice cost them their lives.
In remembering them today, Ghana recommits itself to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the pursuit of justice — no matter the cost.
