In my previous article, I showed you how charismatic Nkrumah's modus operandi differed from that of the UGCC leadership. This brought some sort of difference between Danquah and Nkrum
ah in their approach ideologically towards their dealings with the British.
Meanwhile on Saturday, 28th February 1948, the ex-servicemen were due to march to the government's offices in Accra to present their petition concerning their gratuities after helping the British in the second world war amidst the swollen shoot cries that had crippled cocoa farms in the country. As a precaution, the government has put both troops and police men on the alert. Unfortunately, the ex-servicemen's procession which had started in an orderly manner was quickly joined by some angry and rowdy civilians and that became a menacing and threatening mob.
Hence, instead of marching towards the Secretariat offices, took the road leading towards Christianborg Castle, the residence of the governor.
To prevent the way of the mob's procession, one superintendent Colin Imary, and a small detachment of armed police were dispatched to the crossroad.
This detachment did not perturbed the procession from advancing and after due warnings has been given, the superintendent grabbed a rifle from one of his men personally fired at the leaders of the march. The three ex-servicemen were killed - Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey. After the shoot and others injured, the marchers turned back to Accra in an ugly mood. When the first marchers reached the centre of Accra, violence erupted at once. The mob attacked, European stores, set fire to cars and rapidly looted the stores through to the night. In the morning, the mob moved against the prison in Usher Fort, battered down the doors and released the prisoners. As the police and troops restored order in Accra, the looting spread over the weekend to Kumasi, Koforidua and other parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Nkrumah and Danquah were attending a meeting at Saltpond when Akufo Addo phoned with the news of riots. Immediately, they returned to Accra and held a committee meeting at Akufo Addo's house. Here again, Nkrumah clashed with the rest of the committee.
They supported Danquah in sending a telegram of over 1000 words to the Secretary of state in London, while Nkrumah sent a separate one demanding the recall of the Governor and the appointment of a commission to supervise the setting up of a constituent Assembly. He also sent it to the United Nations, Pan Africa Magazine, The New York Times, The Daily worker and the Moscow New Times.
Danquah also wrote a lengthy article entitled, 'THE HOUR OF LIBERATION HAS STRUCK', in which he demanded the liberation of Ghana from colonial rule and a constitution "which would regulate the affairs between us and Britain in the day light of freedom".
I would rest my case here and once again admonish you to stay put for the Part 3 of the 'Nkrumah versus The UGCC' thug. Catch you later.