Police details why angry Ejura youth burn police station and vehicles, confirms calm restored

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed that calm has been restored in Ejura, in the Ashanti Region, following a violent mob attack on the Ejura Police Station on Saturday, 11th January 2025.

According to an official statement by the police, the chaos began after the arrest of a suspect accused of stealing on the evening of Friday, 10th January 2025. The suspect, who was detained in custody, later complained of illness at about 2:20 am and was promptly taken to the Ejura Government Hospital for treatment.

The police statement revealed:

Unfortunately, he passed away this morning while receiving medical attention. While arrangements were being made to convey the body to the morgue for preservation and autopsy, some members of the Ejura community attacked the Police Station, set it ablaze, and a section of the mob followed to where the body was and forcibly took it away.

In a shocking development, the angry youth invaded the police station, reportedly pelting stones at security officers to overpower them. The mob gained access to the facility, freed suspects held in remand, and set fire to the station and vehicles parked on the premises. Videos circulating on social media depict the chaotic scene, with thick black smoke billowing from the burning structure.

The Ghana National Fire Service was quickly deployed to extinguish the flames, while police engaged opinion leaders in the community to de-escalate tensions.

The statement added:

The Police, through engagement with opinion leaders and de-escalation efforts, restored calm, and there have been no casualties. The military later joined in to support the Police to maintain law and order.

This incident has drawn comparisons to a similar unrest that occurred on 29th June 2021 in the Ejura/Sekyedumase District, where agitated youth clashed with security forces during protests demanding justice for the murder of Ibrahim Mohammed, popularly known as Macho Kaaka. Kaaka, a social media activist and member of the FixTheCountry movement, was fatally attacked by unknown assailants. The resulting protests led to the deaths of two protesters, Abdul Nasir Yussif and Muntala Mohammed, while four others sustained severe gunshot injuries.

Calm has been restored in Ejura, with the military assisting local police to ensure law and order. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The Ghana Police Service has assured the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and order in the community.

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