Stories and facts
On May 9, 1967, Ghana witnessed the dramatic public execution of two junior army officers, Lieutenant Samuel Arthur and Lieutenant Moses Yeboah, at the Teshie Firing Range. Their deaths marked the grim conclusion of “Operation Guitar Boy,” a failed coup that sent shockwaves through the country’s military and political landscape.
The events that preceded their public execution began on April 17, 1967, when Lt. Arthur, Lt. Yeboah, and Second Lieutenant Ebenezer Osei-Poku led a rebellion in Accra. Their goal was to overthrow the National Liberation Council (NLC), the military government that had itself come to power in 1966 after toppling President Kwame Nkrumah. The operation’s code name, “Guitar Boy,” was inspired by a popular Nigerian song, which the plotters played over the radio after seizing Broadcasting House.
The coup quickly turned violent. Lt. General Emmanuel Kotoka, a key member of the NLC, was shot and killed by Lt. Yeboah at Accra Airport, a pivotal moment that led to the airport being renamed Kotoka International Airport in his honour. Captain Avevor, the Quartermaster at the Recce Regiment’s armoury, was also killed after refusing to hand over the keys to the coup plotters. The attempt was ultimately foiled due to poor planning, lack of broad support, and the swift response of loyalist forces.
Following their arrest, the three officers faced a military tribunal chaired by Air Marshal Michael Otu. Lt. Arthur was found guilty of conspiracy against the state, attacking Accra, and killing Captain Avevor. Lt. Yeboah was convicted of conspiracy, attacking Accra, and killing Lt. Gen. Kotoka. Both were sentenced to death by firing squad on May 5, 1967. Second Lt. Osei-Poku received a 30-year prison sentence but was later pardoned by a subsequent government.
The executions were carried out in public before a crowd estimated at 20,000, including children. Authorities allowed such a large audience to dispel rumours that the executions might not take place. News crews were present but kept at a distance and not permitted to film the actual event. Lt. Arthur and Lt. Yeboah arrived by Air Force helicopter and reportedly waved to the crowd. Arthur refused a blindfold before facing the firing squad, and after the shots were fired, a doctor confirmed their deaths before their bodies were taken away in a police van.
The failed coup and subsequent executions sent a clear message about the consequences of insurrection during a turbulent period in Ghana’s history. “Operation Guitar Boy” remains a significant episode, illustrating the volatility of Ghana’s early post-independence years and the high stakes of political power struggles.
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