The General Secretary of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), Abdulai Yakubu, has called for enhanced security measures at courts across the country to protect judges, staff, and litigants. His appeal follows a violent incident at the Kwame Danso District Court, where a mob interrupted court proceedings and forcibly released defendants involved in the case of The Republic vs. Isaac Kwabena Mintah and Two Others, which includes charges of unlawful damage, theft, and assault.
In an interview with Channel One Newsroom on December 11, Yakubu criticized the Police Service for failing to act on prior intelligence that could have prevented the assault. He pointed out that the same group had previously attacked a local police station, underscoring the need for better preparedness.
He emphasized the importance of reviewing security protocols in all courthouses, urging court administrators and law enforcement to implement comprehensive screening measures for courtroom access. “We need to ensure that individuals are screened before entering courtrooms. While we have security devices at the Court Complex and the Supreme Court, other courts that face similar threats should also establish preventive security checks,” he stated.
Additionally, JUSAG has demanded the immediate closure of the Kwame Danso District Court in light of Wednesday’s violent attack. The association reported that the mob, armed with dangerous weapons, disrupted court operations, vandalized property, and forced staff to seek safety, with some locking themselves in offices as assailants attempted to break into the magistrate’s chambers. Order was only restored with assistance from the Atebubu Police Unit. JUSAG expressed concern for the safety of the magistrate and staff, warning that increasing assaults on judicial facilities jeopardize the administration of justice. They have advised Kwame Danso District Court employees to refrain from attending work until security measures are adequately reinforced.
SOURCE: CITI NEWSROOM
