Police Hand Over Ibrahim Mahama Assault Case to CID Headquarters for Thorough Investigation
The Ghana Police Service has officially transferred investigations into the alleged assault of renowned visual artist Ibrahim Mahama to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra.
The decision was taken following a high-level meeting on Wednesday, March 26, 2026, involving the Inspector-General of Police, members of the Police Management Board, and Mr. Mahama himself.
According to the Director of Public Affairs, Assistant Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the IGP personally listened to Mr. Mahama’s account of the incident before directing the CID to take over the case from the Northern Regional Command.
She also confirmed that the Director-General of the Police Professional Standards Bureau has been tasked to fast-track a parallel inquiry into the conduct of the officers allegedly involved.
“Any persons found culpable will be taken through the due process of the law,” ACP Ansah-Akrofi stated.
Background of the Incident
The alleged assault occurred on Saturday, March 21, 2026, shortly after Mr. Mahama attended Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at a mosque in Tamale. His vehicle was reportedly stopped near the Mariam Hotel junction during what he described as a routine police check that escalated.
Mr. Mahama claims officers from the IGP’s Special Operations Team (known as “Black Maria”) boarded his bus, forced him to unlock his phone, deleted footage he had recorded, and physically assaulted him. He sustained injuries including a broken tooth, cut lips, rib pain, and recurring headaches, for which he received treatment at a private health facility in Tamale.
The incident forced him to cancel several high-profile international engagements, including lectures at the Royal College of Art, University of Cambridge, and University of Oxford, as well as trips to Helsinki, Amsterdam, and South Africa.
Police Position
Police authorities have disputed parts of the artist’s account. Deputy Superintendent of Police Bawah Abdul Jalil described the operation as a traffic enforcement exercise that escalated due to the conduct of the driver. There have also been conflicting reports regarding the presence of the Black Maria unit in the region on the day of the incident.
Prior to today’s meeting, the Northern Regional Command had already collected statements from Mr. Mahama and his associates, visited the scene, and engaged him at his residence.
Assurance of Transparency
The Police have assured the public and Mr. Mahama of a thorough, impartial, and professional investigation. They have urged calm as the CID and the Professional Standards Bureau carry out their respective probes.
The outcome of the investigations is expected to provide clarity on the circumstances of the incident and determine whether any police personnel will face disciplinary or criminal action.
The case continues to attract significant public attention due to Mr. Mahama’s prominent status in Ghana’s contemporary art scene.
Source: Ghana Police Service official statements and reports
