61 anniversary of the 28th February shooting marked
Audrey Micah, Ghanadot

Accra, Feb 28, Ghanadot - Wreaths has been laid at the Freedom Monument, Osu, today to mark the 61st anniversary of the 28th February shooting. The commemoration is in line with the three ex-servicemen who were gunned down at the Christianborg Crossroads on February 28, 1948, while going to present a petition to the British Colonial Governor, Sir Gerald Creasy, after the colonialists had reneged on their promise to resettle them.

The ex-servicemen were, Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey, all members of the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force that fought alongside the allied forces during the Second World War.

Lt. Gen. Joseph Smith (retd), Minister of Defence, has confirmed government promise to create better living conditions for ex-servicemen. He said government would soon restructure their retirement package to give them better living conditions.

According to the minister, the case of the ex-servicemen is very important to the Mills' administration, due to the sacrifices to ensure Ghana's liberty to work on its democracy and hinted that these men must not be forgotten because of their contribution to building country..

“They are part of the priorities we are looking out now and we will take every step to make sure that we better their living conditions, pension and everything that will go to make them happy in their old age.”

The Defence Minister noted that the government is aware of some problems of the ex-servicemen and it is assiduously working around the clock to solve them.

He promised that he will be visiting personally all the legion villages in the country to have a word with them and restructure the entire veteran association.

Some survivors of the World War II have complained of past and present governments' neglect after 61 years on.

“The ex-serviceman was onetime a hero, he is now a forgotten hero, and we are being badly treated; they must be given sort of assistance, something to live on, not this pittance,” an ex-serviceman protested.

Lt. Gen. Joseph Smith (retd), laid a wreath on behalf of the government and people of Ghana and Rear Admiral R. S Nuno, Acting Chief of Defence Staff, laid one on behalf of the security services.

Air Vice Marshal Odartey Barnor, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Ghana, laid one on behalf of the veterans, while the Osu Mantse, Nii Nortey Owuo III, laid one on behalf of traditional rulers.

Ghanadot