An Accra Circuit Court has refused to grant bail to nine individuals allegedly involved in recent violent unrest in Nkwanta, in the Oti Region.
Presiding Judge Isaac Addo dismissed the bail request, citing ongoing instability in the area.
The prosecution, led by ASP Seth Frimpong, argued that the volatile situation posed a risk to public safety. The court emphasized that while the accused have rights, those must be weighed against the safety of the larger community.
The defence contended that the suspects had been in lawful custody for an extended period and were constitutionally entitled to bail.
However, the judge ordered that the accused remain in custody for two more weeks as investigations continue. Their pleas have not yet been taken.
The suspects Evans Mawugbe, Donkor Ebenzer, Solomon Amenu, Robert Dzanka, Kenyenso Senyo, Edwin Yeboah, Yudah Adule, Keteke Joshua, and Grace Ordzi face charges of conspiracy to commit crime, causing harm, rioting, and rioting with weapons.
Authorities say the suspects were arrested during a joint operation by the Police, Military, and National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to enforce a curfew after tensions erupted on June 26 at the Yam Market.
What began as a ritual activity allegedly escalated into violence, gunfire, and significant property damage.
Multiple individuals, including Emmanuel Popolampo, Angela Azumah, Akwasi (alias Commando), and Ruth, sustained injuries, while one unidentified man died from gunshot wounds after being hospitalized
