The Eastern Regional branch of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has urged judges and lawyers to uphold justice with courage, fairness and integrity as the country commemorated the 44th anniversary of the murder of three High Court judges.
The call was made by Mr. Francis Polley, President of the Eastern Regional GBA, during a memorial event held in honour of the judges who were killed in 1982.
He encouraged judicial officers and legal practitioners to draw inspiration from the legacy of the deceased judges by ensuring that justice is administered without fear, favour or external influence.
The annual commemoration, organised by the Eastern Regional GBA in collaboration with the Judicial Service of Ghana, honours the memory of Justice Fred Poku Sarkordee, Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addow and Justice Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong, collectively referred to as martyrs of the rule of law.
The three judges, together with retired military officer Major Sam Acquah, were abducted and murdered on June 30, 1982, at the Bundase Military Range in Accra.
Their bodies were later discovered after a heavy downpour extinguished a fire in which they had been set ablaze.
Mr. Polley described their deaths as a solemn reminder of the need to protect judicial independence and strengthen Ghana’s commitment to the rule of law.
He said the courage and sacrifice of the slain judges should serve as a guiding example for legal practitioners in maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, also addressed the gathering, noting that the tragedy had left a lasting impact on the nation and reinforced the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions.
She said Ghana’s progress as a stable democracy had been achieved in part through the sacrifices of individuals who defended justice and constitutional rule.
Mrs. Awatey reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting the independence of the judiciary and supporting the effective administration of justice.
The event brought together judges, lawyers, security officials, teachers and students from Madonna Schools in Koforidua.
Activities included tributes and a church service led by the Very Reverend Father Maxwell Alaaje of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua.
