How the Special Investigation Board (SIB) described the brutal abduction and murder of the three High Court judges and Major Sam Acquah, in its report:
From the SIB Report
Abduction during curfew
“On 30th June, 1982 when armed men led by L/Cpl Amedeka, abducted three High Court Judges – Mr. Justice Fred Poku Sarkodee, Mr. Justice Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong and Mrs. Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addow … Also abducted was Maj Sam Acquah (Rtd.) … They were abducted at night when a curfew was in force.”
Transport and assault
“According to the report of the Special Investigation Board … one of the abductors, Johnny Dzandu, told the abducted persons that they … were ‘enemies of the revolution’. The abductors were driving in a Fiat Compagnola jeep during curfew hours. The abducted people were later found dead with gun-shot wounds and superficial burns.”
Execution and burning of bodies
“The abducted persons were murdered in cold blood and the bodies set ablaze. On 3rd July, 1982 the charred remains were found at the Bundase military range.”
Storm extinguished flames
“Their bodies had been soaked with petrol and set on fire. … Divine intervention, through a heavy downpour that night, quenched the burning bodies.”
🗓 Summary Timeline of Events
Date Event
June 30, 1982 (9–10:30 pm) The judges and Major Acquah were abducted from their homes by plain‑clothes men during curfew. June 30–July 3, 1982 Taken to Bundase firing range, shot, and set on fire. A heavy rainstorm partially extinguished the flames. Bodies discovered on July 3. July 15, 1982 PNDC established the SIB under Law 15 and chaired by Justice Samuel Azu Crabbe.
🔍 Key Perpetrators Identified
According to the SIB:
Lance Corporals S. K. Amedeka, M. Senya, Johnny Dzandu, and Tekpor Hekli participated in the abductions and murders.
Joachim Amartey‑Quaye, a PNDC member, was implicated in planning.
Allegations included that Captain Kojo Tsikata, a PNDC security official, was the “mastermind” behind the plot.
Several suspects were prosecuted, convicted, and—in most cases—sentenced to death.
✨ Why This Was So Shocking
These were respected High Court judges—Justice Sarkodee, Justice Agyapong, Justice Koranteng‑Addow—and Major Acquah.
They had issued rulings that displeased the PNDC.
Their abduction, murder, and burning was a severe assault on Ghana’s judiciary and rule of law.
This tragic event is commemorated each year on June 30 as Martyrs’ Day in Ghana.
