Sixty-two years on, Ghana remembers the moment that demanded courage and defined a nation. On this day in 1964, at the forecourt of Flagstaff House (now Jubilee House), an assassin’s bullet was directed at Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The attack was carried out by a police constable, Seth Ametewee, who opened fire as the President made his way to his office. This incident stands as a testament to the challenges faced in the pursuit of leadership and national progress.
Salifu Dagarti—a British-trained Ghanaian police officer and presidential bodyguard—stepped forward and shielded Nkrumah with his own body. The bullets meant for the President struck Dagarti instead. One hit him in the head. He died instantly.
His sacrifice bought seconds. Those seconds saved a President. Those seconds altered Ghana’s history.
Because Dagarti stood his ground, Nkrumah escaped, took cover, and eventually overpowered the attacker in a nearby kitchen.
Born around July 1931, Dagarti joined the Gold Coast Police at just 17. Through discipline and service, he rose to the rank of Chief Superintendent by 1960.
Today, his name survives on a street in Tema Community 2. But his legacy towers far above any street sign.
Salifu Dagarti embodies ultimate loyalty, selfless service, and professional courage. He reminds us that Ghana’s history was not shaped by leaders alone but by brave men who laid down their lives so the nation could endure.
Story: Lawal Mohammed.
