The Judicial Service has relocated the Circuit Court ‘A’ and District Magistrate Court ‘B’ in Sunyani to the Sunyani High Court premises following a fire outbreak that engulfed the court building, a follow-up by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) has revealed. The incident occurred in the early hours of April 26, 2026, rendering the original court structure unusable and prompting immediate security measures.
Investigation Underway, Premises Secured
Personnel from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service were observed sifting through the debris of the extensively damaged structure located near the Sunyani Municipal Assembly. The area has been officially declared a crime scene, with police caution tape cordoning off the premises to prevent unauthorized access.
Judicial Service staff were present to guide court users, including litigants and legal practitioners, to the Sunyani High Court for ongoing legal proceedings. While CID officers declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, it was confirmed that all official documents, stationery, and other essential logistics housed within the building were destroyed in the blaze.
Assistant Divisional Officer Grade One (ADO I) Kwame Adomako, Bono Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), stated that investigations into the cause of the fire have commenced. He indicated that the exact cause is yet to be established, but negligence, accident, and arson are being considered as potential factors. ADO I Adomako urged the public to remain calm as the investigation progresses.
Community Pledges Support for Reconstruction
Members of the Sunyani Traditional Council have visited the scene and pledged their commitment to supporting the renovation of the damaged court building. Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boaken Korkor II, Paramount Chief of the Sunyani Traditional Area, who led the delegation, announced that the council would also fund the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras around the court premises to enhance security post-renovation.
He appealed to the public, particularly the business community and corporate bodies, to contribute to the reconstruction efforts, emphasizing it as a collective responsibility. The Paramount Chief also urged the police to expedite their investigation into the incident.
Odeefour Ogyeamansan Korkor II expressed sympathy to the Judicial Service and court users, assuring them of the council’s dedication to ensuring a swift renovation. He stressed the critical role of a functional justice system in achieving meaningful societal development.
Judicial Officials Oversee Transition
The delegation from the Traditional Council was received at the scene by Justice Joyce Boahen, Supervising High Court Judge for the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions. She was accompanied by other Judicial Service officials, including Mr. Charles Baido, Director of Court Services; Mr. Noble Notifafa, Director of ICT; and Mr. Ablade Cyllis, Director of Estates. The Paramount Chief was joined by several sub-chiefs and Mr. Ransford Antwi, Chairman of the Sunyani Customary Land Secretariat.
Future Implications and Next Steps
The fire at the Sunyani Circuit and Magistrate Courts highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to unforeseen events. The relocation of court services to the High Court premises, while a necessary immediate measure, could potentially strain resources and affect the efficiency of judicial operations in the region. The ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire is crucial for implementing preventative measures and ensuring accountability.
The commitment from the Sunyani Traditional Council to fund renovations and enhance security with CCTV cameras signals a proactive approach to rebuilding trust and functionality. The appeal for public and corporate support underscores the shared responsibility in maintaining a robust justice system. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see the pace of the investigation, the progress of the renovation works, and the long-term strategies implemented to prevent similar incidents and ensure the continuity of justice delivery in Sunyani.
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