Dambai Circuit Court: Four Remanded Over Worawora Disturbances

• The Dambai Circuit Court has remanded four individuals into police custody following disturbances in Dwabrem-Worawora, Oti Region.
• The unrest on October 24, 2026, involved burning vehicle tyres and other violence, sparked by tensions over the Akwantutenten Festival and an alleged High Court injunction.
• The Oti Regional Security Council met with disputing families on October 26, directing them to resolve their chieftaincy dispute through courts and Houses of Chiefs.
• REGSEC also mandated that all persons arrested in connection with the disturbances be dealt with according to law.
• Police have appealed for calm and adherence to lawful processes to maintain peace in Worawora.

This firm stance by the regional security body reinforces the principle that criminal acts, even those arising from traditional disputes, will not be tolerated and will face legal consequences.

The Dambai Circuit Court has ordered the remand of four individuals into police custody following their alleged involvement in public disturbances that occurred in Dwabrem-Worawora, located within Ghana's Oti Region. The accused, identified as Kwame Aboagye Ahenkora, aged 55; Prince Asante, 27; Daniel Wiafe, 20; and Kwabena Nsimbo, 22, are scheduled to reappear before the court on November 17, 2026. This judicial action stems from a volatile incident that unfolded on October 24, 2026, which saw acts of violence disrupt the community.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) John Nchor, who serves as the Public Affairs Officer for the Oti Regional Police Command, the disturbances in Dwabrem included the burning of vehicle tyres and other violent acts. Police personnel were promptly deployed to the area to address the unrest, successfully extinguishing the fires and restoring order to the affected locality. The swift response highlights the authorities' commitment to maintaining peace and security, particularly when faced with potential breaches of public order.

The catalyst for the Worawora disturbances Ghana appears to be deep-seated tensions surrounding the commencement of traditional rites for the Akwantutenten Festival. This annual cultural event became a flashpoint due to an ongoing Oti Region chieftaincy dispute, which has evidently simmered beneath the surface of community life. Reports suggest that the violence erupted following claims that a High Court injunction had been secured, specifically intended to prevent the celebration of the festival. Such claims, whether substantiated or not, clearly ignited strong reactions among segments of the population, leading to the public disorder witnessed.

Chieftaincy disputes in Ghana often carry significant weight, impacting social cohesion and sometimes escalating into conflict if not managed through established legal and traditional channels. The situation in Dwabrem-Worawora underscores how unresolved traditional leadership issues can spill over into broader community unrest, particularly when intertwined with important cultural events like festivals. The alleged High Court injunction, intended to bring legal clarity, instead appears to have exacerbated existing tensions, demonstrating the delicate balance required in managing such sensitive matters.

In response to the escalating situation, the Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) convened a crucial meeting on October 26, 2026, bringing together representatives from the disputing families. During this meeting, REGSEC issued a clear directive, emphasizing that all parties involved must pursue resolution of the chieftaincy dispute exclusively through lawful means. This includes seeking redress via the established court system and the Houses of Chiefs, which are constitutionally mandated bodies for resolving such traditional matters. The Council underscored the imperative for adherence to legal processes to prevent further public disorder.

Furthermore, REGSEC explicitly instructed that all individuals apprehended in connection with the recent disturbances would be processed and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. This firm stance by the regional security body reinforces the principle that criminal acts, even those arising from traditional disputes, will not be tolerated and will face legal consequences. The Oti Regional Police Command has subsequently appealed to all parties to maintain calm, exercise restraint, and respect lawful processes, urging cooperation to ensure the sustained peace and security of Worawora. This proactive approach by regional authorities aims to channel potentially volatile conflicts into structured, legal frameworks, thereby safeguarding public order and upholding the rule of law.

Lawyers advising clients involved in chieftaincy disputes in Ghana should note the proactive measures by the Oti Regional Security Council to direct parties to legal channels (courts and Houses of Chiefs) and the swift criminal proceedings for public order offenses arising from such disputes. This highlights the importance of advising clients to pursue lawful means of dispute resolution to avoid criminal liability for related disturbances.

Source: Original reporting via Ghana News Agency