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Eastern Region: GBA and Judicial Service celebrate 41st Martyrs’Day
The Eastern Regional Branch of the Ghana Bar Association and the Judicial Service has celebrated its 41st Martyrs’ Day at the Ascension Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Koforidua.
The celebration was to commemorate the gruesome murder of the three high court judges namely Justice Fred Poku Sakodie, Cecilia Koranteng Addo and Justice Kwadwo Adjei Agyapong who were abducted from their respective homes in Accra on June 30, 1982 and murdered at the Bundase Military Range in the Accra Plains.
A solemn ceremony was organised at the premises of the church and wreaths were laid in after the service in memory of the murdered judges.
In an address during the ceremony, the Eastern Regional President of the Ghana Bar Association, Mr Francis Polley said the Bar and Bench would continue to mourn the death martyrs of the rule of law who had died in their line of duty.
“In response to the call for reconciliation by the National Reconciliation Commission and the Biblical injunction that we should forgive those who trespass against us, we have forgiven the wrong doers for their cowardly and evil deeds. However, we still remember these martyrs of the rule of law and we will continue to celebrate them,” he said.
He said the Bar and the Bench acknowledged and proclaimed the good qualities they possessed in their line of work for which they were murdered.
“The Bar and bench and the good people of Ghana salute you, you died in the line of duty and performed duties as judges without fear and favour and stood for the rule of law for which they could not eliminate,” he added.
He therefore called on judges, the Bar and Bench in the country to continue the legacy of the three deceased judges and be bold in executing their mandate without fear and favour and continue to stand for the rule of law and justice for humanity.
In a sermon preached at the ceremony, the District Minister in charge of the Koforidua and Minister of Ascension Presbyterian Church, Rev Justice Kwame Asumeng called on judges and members of the Bar association to execute their work soberly and decide impartially when settling cases.
That, he said backed by courage would cause nobody to trample on them, adding that “the nation today and the next generation depends on you and it is my prayer that God should give you what it takes to stand for the truth always.”
In attendance was the Eastern Regional Minister,Seth Kwame Acheampong, Municipal Chief Executives for New Juaben South and North, Mr Isaac Appaw-Gyasi and Mrs Comfort Asante and other important dignitaries.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
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VP Opoku-Agyemang chairs Armed Forces Council
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is chair of the newly appointed Armed Forces Council.
Established under Article 211 of the 1992 Constitution, the Council provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the Ghana Armed Forces remain effective, modern, and disciplined.
In his address to the Council members, President Mahama emphasised their critical role in the military’s governance and administration.
He underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to modernising the Armed Forces to address evolving security threats, ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to climate-related challenges.
“The responsibility placed on your shoulders as a Council is one of great national importance,” President Mahama stated.
He added that “The strength of our Armed Forces depends not only on the bravery of the men and women in uniform but also on the leadership policies and decisions that guide them.”
The president’s key priorities include capacity-building programs to enhance personnel skills, investment in modern military technology and equipment, enhanced infrastructure development, and improved welfare and support systems for military personnel and their families.
President Mahama also highlighted the increasing role of technology in modern warfare, urging the Council to embrace innovation and data-driven security solutions in developing the nation’s defence strategy.
The President emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships with ECOWAS, the African Union, and international allies to address global security threats.
The President called on the Council to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability within the Armed Forces, stressing that corruption and misconduct have no place in the military.
He expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the Armed Forces Council for their dedicated service. He congratulated the newly sworn-in members, expressing confidence in their ability to serve with honour, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Ghana.
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Muntaka sworn in as Member of Armed Forces Council
President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with Article 211 of the 1992 Constitution has sworn in the newly appointed members of the Ghana Armed Forces Council at the Ministry of Defence in Accra.
The Council is responsible for advising the President on defence policy, military administration, and operational readiness.
Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, was among those sworn in as a member of the Council, with H.E. Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang serving as Council Chairperson.
The President urged the new Council members to approach their roles with dedication and a clear vision, emphasising the importance of their work in shaping the future of the Ghana Armed Forces, stressing the need to modernise the military and enhance its operational capabilities.
He reaffirmed the critical role of the military in governance and thanked the military officers and their families for their service and sacrifice.
The Vice President Opoku-Agyemang in her remarks, assured the President that the Council will serve diligently, loyally, and with patriotic zeal to reset the Ghana Armed Forces.
Other members of the Council include Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, CWO. Daniel Addo, Brig-General (Rtd) Fuseini Iddrisu, and Nancy Dakwa Ampofo Esq.
