Regional News of Friday, 12 December 2025

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Kwame Danso Mob Attack: We need stronger security at our courts - JUSAG

Abdulai Yakubu is the General Secretary of JUSAG Abdulai Yakubu is the General Secretary of JUSAG

The General Secretary of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), Abdulai Yakubu, has called for improved security at courts across the country to protect judges, staff, and the public.

His appeal follows a violent incident at the Kwame Danso District Court, where a mob burst into the courtroom during a hearing and freed accused persons in the case of “The Republic vs. Isaac Kwabena Mintah and Two Others.”

In an interview on Channel One TV on December 11, 2025, Yakubu faulted the Ghana Police Service for failing to act on intelligence that, he said, could have prevented the invasion. He pointed out that the same group had previously attacked the police station.

He emphasised the need for a comprehensive review of court security and urged judicial administrators and security agencies to introduce screening systems and other preventive measures.

“We need to update our protocols so people are screened before entering courtrooms. We already have such systems at the Court Complex and the Supreme Court, but if regional administrators, registrars, and the police identify courts that are vulnerable to attacks, similar checks should be put in place,” he noted.

JUSAG has called on the Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, to temporarily close the Kwame Danso District Court after December 10’s incident.

According to the association, the mob, armed with dangerous objects, interrupted proceedings, damaged court property, and forced workers to run for safety. Some staff reportedly locked themselves inside their offices while the attackers tried to break into the magistrate’s chambers.

Calm was restored only after the Atebubu Police Unit sent reinforcements.

JUSAG condemns attack on District Court in Kwame Danso, calls on CJ, IGP to take action

JUSAG noted that the magistrate and staff are traumatised and do not feel safe returning to the facility, warning that the growing number of attacks on courts is a threat to justice delivery.

For now, the association is advising workers at the Kwame Danso District Court to stay away from the premises until proper security measures are in place.

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AK/SSM