Accra:Ghana recently commemorated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, celebrating the legacy of the country's first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who played a pivotal role in achieving independence from British colonial rule. His presidency, however, was also marked by significant political turmoil, including multiple assassination attempts.
According to Ghana Web, Nkrumah documented at least six assassination attempts against him in his book "Dark Days in Ghana." He alleged that members of the Police and Special Branch were involved in these attempts, often ignoring or even aiding the conspirators.
One notable attack occurred on January 2, 1964, at the Flagstaff House, then the seat of government. Police Constable Seth Ametewee, who was assigned to guard Nkrumah, fired four shots at the President as he was leaving for lunch. During the attack, Nkrumah's aide-de-camp, Superintendent Salifu Dagarti, took a fatal bullet to the head while protecting the President.
Following the initial chaos, Nkrumah sought refuge in the Flagstaff House kitchen, where a struggle ensued. Ametewee bit the President's cheek, but Nkrumah managed to incapacitate him momentarily by kicking him in the groin. Eventually, other police officers intervened and subdued Ametewee.
Ametewee was initially sentenced to death for the murder of Superintendent Salifu and the attempted murder of Nkrumah. However, the Supreme Court later overturned this sentence, ruling that Ametewee did not intend to kill Salifu. The court noted that if an act intended to kill one person inadvertently affects another, the perpetrator is liable for the outcome.
J.B. Danquah, one of the Big Six, was detained on allegations of bribing Ametewee to assassinate Nkrumah and died in prison.