Stories and facts
On April 17, 1967, Ghana witnessed a tragic and defining moment in its post-independence history. Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a prominent military leader and member of the National Liberation Council (NLC), was killed during an abortive coup attempt code-named "Operation Guitar Boy." This event marked the violent end of Kotoka’s life and also highlighted the turbulence of Ghana’s early political landscape.
The coup was orchestrated by junior officers of the reconnaissance regiment based in Ho, Volta Region. Led by Lieutenant S.B. Arthur, the conspirators aimed to overthrow the NLC government, which had come to power after toppling Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in 1966. Early on April 17, Lt. Arthur announced over Radio Ghana that he had taken control of the country’s administration. However, the coup quickly descended into chaos and violence.
Lt.-Gen. Kotoka, the general officer commanding the Ghana Armed Forces and a key figure in the NLC, became a primary target of the coup plotters. He was ambushed at Accra Airport—now Kotoka International Airport—by Lt. Moses Yeboah and his men. After intense fighting, Kotoka was fatally shot and stabbed near what is now the forecourt of the airport, where his statue stands as a memorial.
The coup attempt ultimately failed due to insufficient support within the military and swift counteractions by loyalist forces. Lt. Moses Yeboah and Lt. S.B. Arthur were captured, court-martialed, and sentenced to death for their roles in the plot.
Their public execution on May 9, 1967, at Teshie Military Range, served as a grim deterrent to future insurrections. The spectacle drew a crowd of 20,000 spectators, underscoring the gravity of their actions and the state’s resolve to maintain order.
The events surrounding Kotoka’s death remain emblematic of Ghana’s struggles during its formative years as an independent nation. They highlight themes of loyalty, ambition, and sacrifice within a young republic grappling with its identity amidst Cold War geopolitics and internal dissent.
Today, discussions about Kotoka's legacy continue to evoke strong emotions among Ghanaians. While some view him as a patriot who fought for stability during uncertain times, others question whether his role in overthrowing Nkrumah represented progress or regression for Ghana's democratic aspirations.
Visit the timeline to learn more about his life and career.
