The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has condemned the attack on the Tamale District Court by some residents in the Northern Regional capital on Monday.

The residents staged a riot at the court, where a man allegedly described as the supplier of drugs was standing trial, pelting stones, and destroying properties among others, leading to the injury of three people including a police officer.

Earlier reports indicate that it took the firing of shots by the police to disperse the crowd. The police later revealed that 13 people had been arrested.

Condemning the incident, JUSAG, in a press release signed by the National President, Samuel Afotey Otu, stressed that the judiciary exists for all citizens and justice is administered in accordance with the law irrespective of the persons involved. 

“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.”

“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,” parts of the statement read.

Read more: 3 injured in riot at Tamale Circuit Court

JUSAG also called on all citizens to support the courts to carry our their operations deviod of any intimidation and violence.

They also extended calls to revered chiefs, religious leaders, political leadership and the opinion leaders in Tamale and the Northern Region to support the Judiciary and the security services to serve the people to the best of their abilities.

Read the full statement below: