The Bekwai Circuit Court has remanded 31 persons into police custody following their arrest by the Forestry Commission for allegedly invading the Apamprama Forest Reserve. The accused persons were brought before the court after their arrest during an enforcement operation in the forest reserve area.
The court, presided over by His Lordship Isaac Apeatu, did not take the pleas of the accused but ordered that they be remanded to reappear on January 12, 2026.
Prosecuting the case, Detective Inspector Eric Twum told the court that the large number of accused persons required additional time for the prosecution to properly assemble facts, statements, and supporting documents. He therefore requested that the court refuse any bail application at this stage to allow investigations to continue without interference.
Counsel for the accused persons, Prince Andrew Akawole, appealed to the court to grant bail. He told the court that the accused, including one woman, arrived in Ghana on December 27, 2025, and do not speak English or Twi. He argued that this reduced the likelihood of the accused absconding if granted bail.
The defence further submitted that the accused persons had individuals of good standing who were prepared to act as sureties should the court grant bail.
In his ruling, the presiding judge stated that having regard to the nature of the alleged offence and the punishment associated with such crimes, the court was unable to grant bail at this stage. The judge ordered that all 31 accused persons be remanded into custody pending further proceedings.
The case has been adjourned to January 12, 2026, when the accused persons are expected to be brought back before the court. As with all criminal proceedings, the accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.