The Upper East Regional President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Lawyer Anthony Namoo, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to urgently account for the deaths of more than eight individuals allegedly killed by personnel of the Police National Operations Unit, popularly referred to as the “Black Maria,” in the Upper East Region.
Speaking at the 44th Anniversary Remembrance Service for the three murdered High Court judges, held at the Upper East Regional High Court premises in Bolgatanga on Tuesday, Mr. Namoo said the circumstances surrounding the deaths demand immediate explanation and accountability.
According to him, the victims were deprived of their constitutional right to a fair trial, contrary to the principles of justice, the rule of law, and the fundamental human rights guaranteed under Ghana’s Constitution.
“The individuals were killed without being allowed to stand trial before a competent court of law. This raises serious concerns about respect for human rights and due process in our democracy,” he stated.
Mr. Namoo argued that the alleged killings bear disturbing similarities to the infamous murder of three High Court judges and a retired army officer in 1982, stressing that extrajudicial actions have no place in a constitutional democracy.
“These alleged acts by the Black Maria cannot be different from the murder of the three High Court judges in 1982,” he emphasised.
He identified the alleged victims as Aziz Iddrisu, Safianu Seidu, Shamsudeen Mohammed, Norbert Anamzoya, Boatbil Niah Sunday, Akologo Abilba, Morgan Anaba, Ayuba, and three unidentified persons from Navrongo.
The regional Bar President urged the IGP to provide answers to the bereaved families and the general public, insisting that justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done.
The remembrance service brought together members of the legal fraternity, including lawyers, judges, law students and residents of Bolgatanga, to honour the memory of Justices Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow and Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong, as well as retired Major Sam Acquah, who were abducted and murdered on June 30, 1982.
Observed annually as Martyrs’ Day, the event is jointly organised by the Ghana Bar Association and the Judicial Service to commemorate the victims and reaffirm the country’s commitment to judicial independence, the rule of law and constitutional governance.
As part of the nationwide observance, legal practitioners traditionally abstain from court appearances to participate in memorial activities, including wreath-laying ceremonies and interdenominational church services dedicated to preserving the legacy of Ghana’s fallen judicial martyrs.
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