Ghana Bar Association to Commemorate 44th Martyrs Day in Honor of Slain High Court Judges

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has announced the upcoming 44th Martyrs Day Remembrance Service, a solemn annual event dedicated to honoring the memory of three High Court judges who were tragically murdered decades ago. Scheduled for June 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM, the service will be hosted at the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) in Teshie, Accra. This commemoration remains a cornerstone of the legal calendar in Ghana, serving as both a memorial and a platform for reaffirming the profession's commitment to the rule of law and the sanctity of the justice system. The event marks the anniversary of the harrowing events of June 30, 1982, during the administration of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC). On that night, Justice Kwadwo Adjei Agyepong, Justice Poku Sarkodie, and Justice Mrs. Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, along with Major Sam Acquah, a retired army officer, were abducted from their homes and brutally executed at the Bundase Military Range. The discovery of their charred remains days later sent shockwaves through the country and the international legal community, highlighting the extreme risks faced by those who stood for judicial integrity during periods of intense political instability. In preparation for the 2026 service, the GBA has issued specific directives to its members, including the request for attendees to wear dark suits as a sign of respect and mourning. To maintain the solemnity of the occasion without the formalities of the courtroom, the association has indicated that wigs and gowns are to be excluded from the required attire. The gathering at the ICGC is expected to draw a significant number of legal practitioners, members of the judiciary, and the general public, all joining together to pay their respects to those described as martyrs of the rule of law. Beyond the immediate act of remembrance, Martyrs Day serves as a vital reminder of the necessity of judicial independence in a democratic society. By revisiting this painful history every year, the GBA and the wider judiciary signal their resolve to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. The service underscores the ongoing struggle to protect the sanctity of the courts and the safety of those who preside over them, reinforcing the idea that a truly free society depends on a judiciary that can operate without fear of retribution or violence.