The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has condemned the violent and unlawful invasion of the premises of the Tamale District Court by some youth in the area.
The Tamale District Court was attacked on Monday, August 28, 2023, when some residents trooped onto the court premises in large numbers and pelted the court with stones, destroying properties and injuring a police officer.
This led to an exchange of gunfire between the police and the irate youth.
The youth besieged the court, claiming to ensure that a drug peddler who had been causing destruction to the lives of the youth through his business was adequately prosecuted.
They claimed that police officers had been shielding him, hence their invasion.
The Police however arrested some 13 suspects and are currently investigating the incident to apprehend more culprits.
In a statement dated August 28, the association said, “In no uncertain terms, JUSAG unreservedly condemn the barbaric act of the miscreants.
We also wish to commend the Ghana Police Service for their swift intervention with reinforcement that saved the properties and lives of the Magistrates, Court Officials, Lawyers, Litigants and other court users during the sad event”.
The association also noted that, Whilst we send our well-wishes to the injured police officer and other innocent victims, we wish to call on the Ghana Police Service to deal decisively with the thirteen(13) suspects arrested during the event in accordance with the law whilst efforts are made to apprehend the other suspects on the run.
“We call on the Judicial Service and the security services to intensify efforts to ensure optimum safety and security of all officers of the Court before justice administration resumes at the Court”, the statement emphasized.
JUSAG also took the opportunity to remind the general public that the judiciary exists for all citizens and that justice is administered in accordance with the law irrespective of the persons involved.
“All citizens owe it a duty to support our courts to operate in an atmosphere free of all forms of intimidation and violence”, it added.
See full statement below
