Dambai Circuit Court: Orders Worawora Riot Remand for 4 Accused

• Four individuals were remanded by the Dambai Circuit Court following public disturbances in Worawora, Oti Region, on October 24, 2026.
• The Worawora riot involved burning vehicle tyres and other acts of violence, reportedly stemming from claims of a High Court injunction against the Akwantutenten Festival.
• Kwame Aboagye Ahenkroa, Prince Asante, Daniel Wiafe, and Kwabena Nsimbo were remanded on October 27, 2026, and are due back in court on November 17, 2026.
• The Oti Regional Security Council directed disputing parties to seek redress through appropriate courts and houses of chiefs, emphasizing lawful resolution.
• Police successfully restored order and urged all parties to remain calm and respect legal processes to preserve peace.

The Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) convened a meeting on October 26, 2026, with representatives from the disputing families to address the escalating tensions.

The Dambai Circuit Court has ordered the remand of four individuals into police custody in connection with recent public disturbances that occurred in Dwabrem, Worawora, located within Ghana's Oti Region. The unrest, which took place on October 24, 2026, involved acts of violence, including the burning of vehicle tyres, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. These proceedings highlight the legal system's immediate engagement with incidents of public disorder.

The accused, identified as Kwame Aboagye Ahenkroa, 55, Prince Asante, 27, Daniel Wiafe, 20, and Kwabena Nsimbo, 22, were remanded on October 27, 2026. Their next appearance before the Dambai Circuit Court is scheduled for November 17, 2026. The disturbances are understood to have arisen amid heightened tensions surrounding the impending commencement of traditional rites for the Akwantutenten Festival, a situation that often requires careful management to prevent conflict.

Reports from the Oti Regional Police Command indicate that the violence was reportedly triggered by claims that a High Court injunction had been secured to prevent the celebration of the Akwantutenten Festival. Such disputes, particularly those involving Ghana chieftaincy dispute violence, frequently escalate when legal or traditional protocols are perceived to be challenged or disregarded. The police deployment to the scene successfully quelled the unrest, extinguishing the burning tyres and restoring order to the area.

This incident underscores the volatile nature of chieftaincy disputes and their potential to disrupt public peace. The swift police action was crucial in preventing further escalation, demonstrating the authorities' commitment to maintaining public order in the face of community-level conflicts. The remand of the individuals involved signals a firm stance against those who resort to violence during such disagreements.

In response to the Worawora riot, the Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) convened a meeting on October 26, 2026, with representatives from the disputing families to address the escalating tensions. Following this meeting, the council issued a clear directive, urging all parties involved to pursue resolution through appropriate legal channels, specifically mentioning courts and houses of chiefs. This Oti Regional Security Council directive emphasizes the importance of adhering to established legal frameworks for conflict resolution.

The REGSEC further stressed that the matter must be resolved through lawful means and mandated that all persons apprehended in connection with the disturbances be processed and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. The Police Command has subsequently appealed to all factions to maintain calm, exercise restraint, and respect lawful processes to ensure the preservation of peace and security within Worawora. This collective call for adherence to legal and peaceful means highlights the administrative and judicial approach to managing such sensitive community issues.

This case highlights the legal and administrative response to public disorder arising from chieftaincy disputes in Ghana. Lawyers advising clients involved in chieftaincy matters or public gatherings should note the Oti Regional Security Council's directive emphasizing resolution through 'appropriate courts and houses of chiefs,' underscoring the imperative to pursue legal channels to avoid criminal charges and maintain public order.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times