Bail denied for Nkwanta riot suspects as court cites ongoing tensions

An Accra Circuit Court has refused bail for nine individuals accused of participating in violent disturbances in Nkwanta, Oti Region, citing continued instability in the area.

Presiding over the case, Judge Isaac Addo rejected the bail application after strong opposition from the prosecution. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong argued that the situation in Nkwanta remains fragile and volatile, stressing that granting bail could endanger both the accused and the public.

“The rights of the accused must be weighed against the safety and security of the broader community. Those rights are not absolute,” Judge Addo noted in his ruling.

The defence had appealed for bail, highlighting the prolonged detention of their clients and asserting their constitutional right to temporary release. However, the court sided with the prosecution and ordered that all nine suspects remain in custody for another two weeks.

The accused—Evans Mawugbe, Donkor Ebenzer, Solomon Amenu, Robert Dzanka, Kenyenso Senyo, Edwin Yeboah, Yudah Adule, Keteke Joshua, and Grace Ordzi—face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit crime, causing harm, rioting, and rioting with weapons.

Prosecutors say the nine were arrested during a joint security operation involving the Police, Military, and National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), which was enforcing a curfew in the area. The crackdown followed a June 26 incident where a ritual event at the Yam Market spiraled into chaos.

Gunfire erupted during the unrest, resulting in injuries to several residents—Emmanuel Popolampo, Azumah Angela, one Akwasi (known as Commando), and Ruth. Tragically, an unidentified man later died from gunshot wounds sustained in the incident.

While the nine suspects are in custody, security officials say others involved are still on the run. Investigations into the deadly clash are ongoing.