There was pandemonium at the Senior Correctional Centre (Borstal Institute) at Roman Ridge, Accra, yesterday, when the inmates broke jail and chased some of the officers on duty.

The timely intervention of per­sonnel of the Operations Unit of the Prisons Service prevented what could have turned bloody at the centre.

The Ghanaian Times learnt some of the inmates pursued one of the officers with knives up to the Indian High Commission and Jack and Jail School Junction.

He was rescued by some officers, who were re­turning from field work and witnessed the chase.

The Ghanaian Times learnt the inmates got the knives and other implements from the storeroom where they are usually kept for artisan education.

According to an eye-witness, the incident occurred in the afternoon when an inmate billed to be released Friday, was allowed to wash his clothes and pack his belongings before departure. He was also allowed to walk around.

By law, he was to be searched when the time came for him to return to the cell. The search is to ensure that he was not carrying any substance or unlawful material into the cell.

That, according to Assistant Su­perintendent of Prisons (ASP) James Annan, the Accra Regional PRO of the Prisons Services angered other inmates who did not understand why the of­ficers on duty should conduct the search.

Some of the inmates threw sachet water and other items at the officers on duty, hurting some in the process.

The inmates managed to force the metallic gates open and while some pursued the officers, others attempted to escape but were prevented. ASP Annan said a whistle was blown, compelling all personnel to come out for an SOS operation.

An emergency call was also made to the Operations Unit whose inter­vention restored order.

They took the hardened inmates to the James Camp Prison which houses adult inmates.