This story was originally put together by the late Evans Akangyelewon Atuick as a tribute to honour RSM Issah “Abalansah” Kanjarga on 28Th February, 2021.

The late Evans Akangyelewon Atuick’s tribute has been edited by Voice of Buluk and shared on our website.

Remembering the Unsung Protector of Ghana’s Independence Struggle

Many Ghanaians who studied Social Studies, Government, History, or Political Science are familiar with the 28th February 1948 riots — a pivotal moment that accelerated Ghana’s march toward independence.

The spark came when unarmed World War II veterans, demanding their retirement benefits, were shot at Christiansborg Crossroads in Accra. That tragic event, which left three ex-servicemen dead and dozens wounded, ignited riots across the city, the arrest of the “Big Six,” and ultimately, constitutional reforms recommended by the Watson Commission.

But what most history books fail to mention is the name of a brave native policeman — RSM Issah “Abalansah” Kanjarga — who, by an act of courage, helped prevent what could have been a full-scale massacre of unarmed veterans.

The Christiansborg Crossroads Shooting: What Happened on 28th February 1948

On that fateful day, the ex-servicemen marched peacefully to Christiansborg Castle to present their petition to the colonial governor. At the Castle Crossroads, they were ordered to retreat by Major Colin Imray, a British police superintendent.

When the veterans stood their ground, Imray ordered local policemen to open fire. They refused. In frustration, Imray seized a weapon and personally opened fire, instantly killing:

• Sergeant Cornelius Adjetey
• Corporal Patrick Attipoe
• Private Odartey Lamptey

More than 60 other veterans were injured in the process.

This reckless act set off violent riots across Accra and beyond, laying the foundation for Ghana’s independence struggle.

The Forgotten Hero: RSM Issah Kanjarga

While the fallen veterans are rightly honored each year, the story of RSM Issah Kanjarga (popularly called Abalansah) is almost completely erased from mainstream history.

Accounts suggest that when Imray gave the unlawful order to fire on the veterans, it was Issah Kanjarga who countermanded it, instructing his men in the local language to fire into the air instead of at their fellow countrymen.

It was Kanjarga’s own weapon that Imray allegedly seized to commit the fatal shootings. Without his counter-order, the number of deaths could have been catastrophic. If Imray’s bullets alone killed three and injured 60, imagine the outcome had dozens of rifles fired directly at the crowd.

Who Was RSM Issah “Abalansah” Kanjarga?

• Birthplace: Sinyangsa, near Wiaga in today’s Builsa North District of the Upper East Region.
• Family: Married Agolie Azenab of Wiaga; his descendants still live in Nima, Accra.
• Service: A respected Regimental Sergeant Major known for discipline, bravery, and professionalism.
• Legacy: Remembered in Bulsa oral tradition as the officer who defied an unjust colonial command and saved countless lives.

Why His Story Matters

RSM Issah Kanjarga embodied the highest ideals of professional service: courage, humanity, and loyalty to his people. His decision to disobey an unlawful order was not just an act of conscience — it was an act of patriotism that prevented a massacre.

Yet, unlike the fallen veterans and the political leaders of the time, his name is rarely mentioned at commemorations, nor does he appear in most academic accounts of the riots. He has no street, monument, or memorial in his honor.

This silence is an injustice. Ghana owes part of its history to his bravery.

A Call for Recognition

As the nation remembers Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey every February 28th, we must also honor RSM Issah “Abalansah” Kanjarga and the other unnamed native policemen who risked their lives and careers by refusing to fire on innocent civilians.

Issah Kanjarga deserves:

• Formal recognition in Ghana’s history books.
• A place in annual remembrance ceremonies.
• A street, monument, or memorial in his honor.

Conclusion

The 28th February 1948 shooting is rightly remembered as a turning point in Ghana’s independence struggle. But within that tragedy lies a hidden story of courage — the story of RSM Issah “Abalansah” Kanjarga, the Bulsa hero who stood between his people and a potential massacre.

As we lay wreaths and recite the names of the martyrs every year, let us also say a silent prayer for this forgotten hero and the countless lives he saved.

R.I.P. RSM Issah Kanjarga — your bravery deserves eternal recognition.

Written by: the late Evans Akangyelewon Atuick