The Kwame Danso District Court in the Bono East Region was thrown into chaos on Thursday, December 11, when a mob of irate youth stormed the premises, disrupted proceedings, and freed three accused persons moments after they were remanded into custody.
The attackers vandalised court property during the invasion, prompting the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) to issue a strong condemnation and call for the immediate closure of the court until adequate security measures are put in place.
According to a report by the Kumasi Mail, the disturbance began around 8:00 a.m. when a group of young people gathered at the Kwame Danso Police Station to protest the detention of three suspects in the case The Republic v. Isaac Kwabena Mintah & 2 Others.
The trio had been charged with assault, stealing, and causing unlawful damage under the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
After the magistrate ordered that the suspects be kept in police custody, the youth marched to the courthouse. With the court still in session, they forced their way inside, causing staff and litigants to flee for safety. Furniture and equipment were destroyed as the mob overpowered security and freed the suspects.
Several court employees locked themselves inside offices to escape the attackers, who also attempted to break into the magistrate’s chambers.
The situation was brought under control only after police reinforcements arrived from Atebubu. Although no injuries were recorded, many staff members have been left deeply traumatized.
In a statement, JUSAG described the attack as part of a troubling trend of violent incursions on justice institutions in the area. The association has appealed to the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, to temporarily shut down the Kwame Danso court until security is significantly strengthened.
JUSAG has also directed its members stationed at the court to stay away from work until their safety is guaranteed. It further urged the Inspector General of Police to arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in the attack.
The association expressed sympathy to affected staff, security personnel, and court users.
Police investigations into the incident and the escape of the three suspects are ongoing.
