The Bekwai Circuit Court has remanded 31 persons arrested by the Forestry Commission for allegedly invading the Apamprama Forest Reserve into police custody.

The court, presided over by His Lordship Isaac Apeatu, did not accept the pleas of the accused persons but ordered them to be remanded to reappear on January 12, 2026.

Prosecuting, Detective Inspector Eric Twum told the court that due to the large number of accused persons, the prosecution would require additional time to assemble the facts and relevant documents. He therefore prayed the court to refuse any bail application.

Counsel for the accused persons, Prince Andrew Akawole, appealed to the court to grant bail to his clients. He argued that the suspects, including one woman, arrived in the country on 27 December 2025 and do not speak English or Twi, adding that this reduces any risk of flight if bail were granted.

He further told the court that the accused persons have individuals of good standing who are willing to serve as sureties should bail be granted.

In his ruling, the presiding judge stated that, considering the nature of the offence and the punishment associated with such crimes, the court was unable to grant bail to the accused persons.

The case has been adjourned to 12 January 2026, and the accused persons have been remanded into custody to reappear on the adjourned date.