Kwame Danso Mob Attack Highlights Urgent Need for Stronger Court Security - JUSAG
Abdulai Yakubu, the General Secretary of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), is urging a nationwide upgrade of security measures at courthouses to safeguard judges, staff, and the public. His call comes in response to a violent disruption at the Kwame Danso District Court, where a mob stormed the courtroom during a hearing and freed defendants in the case of “The Republic vs. Isaac Kwabena Mintah and Two Others.”
In a December 11, 2025 interview on Channel One TV, Yakubu criticized the Ghana Police Service for not acting on intelligence that, in his view, could have prevented the intrusion. He noted that the same group had previously attacked a police station, underscoring a pattern of risk.
Yakubu stressed the need for a thorough review of court security and urged judicial administrators and security agencies to implement screening systems and additional preventive measures.
“We must update our protocols so people are screened before entering courtrooms. We already have screening at the Court Complex and the Supreme Court, but regional administrators, registrars, and the police should identify vulnerable courts and implement similar checks,” he stated.
JUSAG has asked the Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, to consider temporarily closing the Kwame Danso District Court following the December 10 incident.
The association described how the mob, armed with dangerous objects, interrupted proceedings, damaged court property, and forced staff to flee for safety. Some workers reportedly locked themselves in offices while attackers attempted to break into the magistrate’s chambers. Calm was restored only after reinforcement from the Atebubu Police Unit.
JUSAG condemned the attack on the Kwame Danso District Court and urged the Chief Justice and the Inspector General of Police to take decisive action. The group also noted that the magistrate and staff are traumatized and feel unsafe returning to the facility, warning that increasing attacks on courts threaten the justice system.
For the time being, JUSAG recommends that staff at the Kwame Danso District Court remain away from the premises until proper security measures are in place.
Also, explore Amnesty International’s 'Protect the Protest' documentary as the world observes International Human Rights Day 2025.
AK/SSM
