Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has ordered the immediate and indefinite closure of the Kwame Danso District Court in the Bono East Region following a violent mob attack that brought proceedings to a halt and freed suspects standing trial.
The directive, issued on Friday, December 12, described the security situation as too dangerous for judicial officers, staff, and court users. According to the Judicial Service, the shutdown will remain in force until adequate safety measures are put in place.
The attack occurred on Wednesday, December 10, during the hearing of The Republic v. Isaac Kwabena Mintah & Two Others.
The case involved charges including assault, stealing, and unlawful damage. Tensions reportedly escalated after news spread that the accused persons were to be remanded.
A large crowd—armed with harmful objects—stormed the courtroom, disrupting proceedings and forcing lawyers, staff, and litigants to flee for safety.
The mob vandalised court property and forcibly freed the accused persons. Some staff were compelled to lock themselves inside offices as attackers attempted to access the magistrate’s chambers.
The Judicial Service condemned the incident and stressed that the closure is necessary to protect its personnel while authorities review security arrangements and investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the Bono East Regional Police Command confirmed that calm has since been restored in Kwame Danso after additional police teams were deployed in response to the attacks on both the court and the police headquarters.
Find below the directive
