A violent mob of youths on Wednesday, December 11, 2025, stormed the Kwame Danso District Court in the Bono East Region, disrupted ongoing proceedings, vandalised property and forcibly freed three accused persons who had just been remanded into police custody.
The incident has been strongly condemned by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), which is demanding the immediate closure of the court until adequate security is provided.
According to a report by Kumasi Mail, trouble started around 8:00 a.m. when a large group of angry youths gathered at the Kwame Danso Police Station, protesting the remand of three suspects in the case The Republic v. Isaac Kwabena Mintah & 2 Others.
The suspects were facing charges of causing unlawful damage, stealing and assault under the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
After the court remanded them into custody, the agitated crowd marched to the District Court premises. While court was still in session, the youths forced their way into the courtroom armed with dangerous objects, chased away staff and litigants, destroyed furniture and office equipment, and freed the three remanded suspects.
Some court officials had to lock themselves in offices for safety, while the mob attempted to break into the magistrate’s chambers.
The situation was brought under partial control only after police reinforcement from nearby Atebubu arrived at the scene.
No physical injuries have been reported, but staff members are said to be traumatised and remain fearful for their safety.
In a statement, JUSAG condemned the attack, describing it as part of a worrying trend of violent assaults on judicial institutions in the area.
The association has appealed to the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, to temporarily shut down the Kwame Danso District Court until proper security measures are instituted.
JUSAG has also directed its members at the court to stay away from work until their safety is guaranteed and urged the Inspector General of Police to swiftly arrest and prosecute all those involved in the attack.
The association extended its sympathy to affected court staff, security personnel and litigants.
Police investigations into the incident and the subsequent escape of the three suspects are ongoing.