Decades after the controversial executions of eight senior Ghanaian military officers in 1979, ordered by the late Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, the events remain a poignant and debated chapter in Ghana’s history. Following Rawlings’ rise to power through a coup d’état in June 1979, these generals—some of whom had previously served as heads of state—were arrested, tried, and executed by firing squad on charges of corruption and abuse of power. The killings, carried out in the name of “house cleaning” to rid the nation of corruption, continue to spark national discourse even today.
Here’s a look at the eight military figures who met their fate under Rawlings’ command:
1. General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong
Born on September 23, 1931, Acheampong led Ghana as head of state from 1972 to 1978 after overthrowing civilian President Kofi Abrefa Busia in a coup. A former teacher turned military officer, he ruled for six years until his ousting by General Fred Akuffo. Following his removal, Acheampong lived privately until Rawlings’ 1979 takeover. Convicted of corruption by a special tribunal, he was executed by firing squad on June 16, 1979, at Teshie Military Range, aged 47.
2. General Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa
Afrifa, born April 24, 1936, was a farmer, traditional ruler, and key figure in the 1966 coup that toppled Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He briefly served as head of state from 1969 to 1970 before handing power to Busia. After retiring from the military, Afrifa ventured into farming and politics, winning a parliamentary seat in Mampong. Arrested on his farm under Rawlings’ orders, he was tried for corruption and executed on June 26, 1979, at age 43. His body was buried without ceremony at Nsawam Prison Cemetery.
3. General William Fred Kwasi Akuffo
Born in March 1937, Akuffo assumed power in 1978 by deposing Acheampong. His tenure was cut short by Rawlings’ initial failed coup attempt, leading to Rawlings’ arrest and death sentence. However, junior officers freed Rawlings, who then overthrew Akuffo in 1979. Charged with corruption, Akuffo was executed in June 1979 at Teshie, aged 42, leaving behind his wife, Emily Akuffo.
4. Major General Robert Kotey
A former Chief of Defence Staff under Akuffo, Kotey also served as commissioner for information and housing during Acheampong’s regime. Following Rawlings’ decree for former officials to surrender, Kotey turned himself in at Achimota Police Station. Tried and convicted, he was executed on June 26, 1979, at 43, and buried at Nsawam Prison Cemetery. He left behind his wife, Nancy, and nine children.
5. Colonel Roger Felli
Born in May 1941, Felli was the youngest of the executed officers. A career soldier commissioned in 1963, he held roles such as Minister of Foreign Affairs (1975–1979) and commissioner for works and housing. On June 26, 1979, the 38-year-old was shot at Teshie alongside other officers and buried unceremoniously at Nsawam.
6. Vice Marshal George Yeboah
Yeboah, born December 25, 1937, commanded the Ghana Air Force and sat on Acheampong’s Supreme Military Council. Once Rawlings’ superior, he became a target after the 1979 coup. Executed on June 26, 1979, at age 41, Yeboah left behind his wife, Beatrice Safo Yeboah.
7. Rear Admiral Joy Amedume
As Chief of Naval Staff, Amedume was among those arrested for alleged corruption after Rawlings seized power. He was executed on June 26, 1979, with his body interred without military honors, marking the end of his naval career.
8. General Edward Kwaku Utuka
A seasoned officer with extensive training, Utuka held significant roles in Ghana’s military governments. Deemed corrupt by Rawlings, he was arrested and executed on June 16, 1979—the same day as Acheampong—making him one of the first casualties of the purge.
A Lasting Legacy
The executions, carried out at Teshie Military Range, were initially buried in unmarked graves at Nsawam Prison Cemetery. In 2000, following petitions from the generals’ widows, President John Agyekum Kufuor authorized the release of their remains for proper burials. The events of 1979 remain a polarizing topic in Ghana, reflecting both Rawlings’ radical approach to reform and the heavy toll it exacted on the nation’s military elite.