On 1 August 1962, Ghana witnessed one of the most serious attempts on the life of its first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. At Kulungugu in the Upper East Region, an act of extraordinary courage unfolded amid the chaos.

Captain Samuel Buckman, a presidential bodyguard assigned to protect Dr Nkrumah, reportedly threw himself in front of the President when a bomb exploded during the assassination attempt. Using his own body as a shield, Captain Buckman placed his life in immediate danger to protect the President from the full force of the blast.

His quick and selfless action helped save Dr Nkrumah’s life. Although the President sustained injuries, he survived the attack and went on to continue serving Ghana.

Captain Samuel Buckman’s bravery stands as a powerful example of loyalty, sacrifice and devotion to duty.

More than six decades later, his remarkable act of courage remains worthy of remembrance.