A violent mob stormed the Kwame Danso District Court in the Bono East Region, disrupting court proceedings and forcibly freeing three accused persons moments after they were remanded into police custody.

The attack described by judicial staff as terrifying and unprecedented, also resulted in the destruction of court property and sent workers and litigants fleeing for safety.

According to reports, tensions had been rising since early morning as a large group of youths massed at the Kwame Danso Police Station to protest 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).

When the court ordered the trio into custody, the protesting crowd marched to the court premises and, with proceedings still underway, forced their way inside. Witnesses say the mob overwhelmed staff, destroyed furniture and equipment, and freed the suspects before fleeing the scene.

Some court workers reportedly locked themselves inside offices to avoid harm, while others narrowly escaped as the mob attempted to break into the magistrate’s chambers.

The chaos ended only after police reinforcements arrived from Atebubu. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were recorded. Police say investigations into the attack and the escape of the suspects are ongoing.

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) strongly condemned the incident, calling it part of a worrying pattern of attacks on judicial institutions in the area.

In a statement, the association appealed to Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to immediately shut down the Kwame Danso District Court until adequate security measures are put in place.

JUSAG has also directed its members stationed at the court to stay away from work until their safety is assured. The association is urging the Inspector-General of Police to arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in the unlawful raid.