A dramatic scene unfolded at the 37 traffic light in the Greater Accra Region on Sunday when a suspected thief scaled a tree in a desperate attempt to escape mob justice after allegedly stealing items valued at several hundred Ghana cedis.

Eyewitnesses say the man was pursued by an angry crowd after he was accused of stealing from unsuspecting pedestrians in the area.

According to the eyewitness, he came to steal banners used for a billboard at 11 pm and after cutting the banners, the alarm went off, so he climbed the tree to avoid arrest.

In a bid to avoid being beaten, he quickly climbed up a nearby tree between the 37 lorry terminal and the 37 Military Hospital, where he remained for several hours as the crowd gathered below.

Police officers later arrived at the scene to restore calm and reportedly took the suspect into custody.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of mob justice, a practice authorities continue to caution against, urging the public to hand over suspects to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and prosecution.