The Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has ordered the immediate closure of the Kwame Danso District Court in the Bono East Region following a violent mob attack that halted proceedings and freed three suspects on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
A directive issued on Friday, December 12, instructed that the court remain shut until further notice due to serious security concerns. The Judicial Service described the closure as an urgent step to protect judges, staff and members of the public. “Following the occurrences at the Kwame Danso District Court, I have been directed by His Lordship the Chief Justice to request you to close the Court temporarily from today, 12 December 2025, until further notice,” the notice read.
The attack took place around 8:00 a.m. while the court was hearing The Republic v. Isaac Kwabena Mintah & Two Others, a case involving charges of unlawful damage, stealing and assault under Act 29. According to the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), tensions escalated after word spread that the accused persons had been remanded.
A large mob first gathered at the Kwame Danso Police Station before moving to the court to protest the decision. Armed with dangerous objects, they forced their way into the courtroom, driving court officials, lawyers and litigants to flee as proceedings came to an abrupt halt. The group then overpowered security and released the accused persons.
JUSAG reported that staff sought refuge by locking themselves inside offices while the attackers vandalised furniture and office equipment. The mob also attempted to break into the magistrate’s chambers, prompting urgent calls for reinforcement.
The Judicial Service is expected to conduct further assessments before announcing when the court will reopen.