The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) strongly condemned the “unlawful invasion” of the Tamale district court facilities by some “unscrupulous elements” on Monday (28 August).
When a case involving an alleged drug dealer, Alhaji Osman, who apparently trades in tramadol in big amounts in the Northern Region, was proceeding, the police clashed with the people in the court premises.
According to reports, Tamale locals surrounded the courthouse, chanting that the alleged drug dealer should be imprisoned and compelled to face the law. This resulted in heated discussions between law enforcement and several disgruntled adolescents who felt the cops were sheltering the perpetrator.
As police officers traded fire with the enraged youngsters, chaos ensued. The ensuing brawl resulted in the destruction of court property. According to reports, three persons were injured, including a police officer.
“The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) notes with grave concern the violent and unlawful invasion of the premises of the district court Tamale by some unscrupulous elements of Tamale on Monday 28th August 2023 at around 10:00am,” according to a statement issued by the association.
“That attack which saw residents troop the court premises in their numbers and pelting stones that destroyed fixtures and injured a police officer, leading to exchange of gun fire by the police to disperse the irate youth. 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.”
JUSAG therefore urged the Judicial Service and the security services to step up efforts to ensure the optimum safety and security of all court officers before justice administration resumes at the court.
Read full statement below:
