Major Patrick Adjei-Ampofo recounts survival during 1966 coup

Retired Major Patrick Adjei-Ampofo has recounted his survival during the February 24, 1966, coup. In a recent interview, he described a violent exchange of gunfire that occurred while he was traveling in a military truck.

Adjei-Ampofo stated that his vehicle came under fire, causing him to be thrown from the truck. After briefly losing consciousness, he awoke to find the vehicle burning and people lying on the ground. He described dodging tracer ammunition to retrieve his weapon before seeking cover in a shallow trench.

The operation resulted in significant casualties, including the loss of seven soldiers. While some individuals survived the initial attack and were treated at the 37 Military Hospital, those remaining on the truck to guard ammunition were killed.