Renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama has suspended a series of international engagements following an alleged assault by personnel of the Ghana Police Service in Tamale, which he says has left him injured and traumatised.
The artist, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Red Clay Studio, said the incident has forced him to halt work and cancel planned lectures and exhibitions across Europe.
He had been scheduled to travel to London to deliver lectures at the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford and the Royal Academy of Arts, before continuing to Helsinki, Milan and Venice this week.
However, he indicated that the incident had made it impossible for him to proceed with the trips.
Giving an account of the incident at a press conference in Tamale on March 23, 2026, Mr Mahama said it occurred shortly after Eid-ul-Fitr prayers on Saturday, March 21, 2026, while he was returning home with family members.
He explained that his vehicle was caught in heavy traffic near the Mariam Hotel junction when a team of police officers attempted to force their way through the congestion.
According to him, when the officers were unable to pass, they redirected their frustration towards nearby civilians, approached his vehicle, entered it and assaulted him and his uncle.
As a result, he said he sustained injuries, including a broken front tooth, and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Describing the impact of the incident, Mr Mahama said: “I cannot really sleep at night because my entire body, especially my ribs are paining me and my mouth is full of sores”.
He further alleged that after the incident, the officers took him to the Sakasaka Police Station, where he was again manhandled.
“At the Sakasaka police station, the officers took my phone and deleted all the pictures that I took during the altercation. They even threaten that they can kill us and nothing will happen to them…….” he said.
Mr Mahama said he has since lodged a formal complaint with the Northern Regional Police Command, where his statement has been taken and a medical report issued.
He called for justice, urging authorities to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents.
Condemnation and investigations
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, has condemned the alleged assault and assured that any officers found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed investigations into the incident.
In a separate statement, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, expressed deep concern and extended sympathy to the artist.
She highlighted Mr Mahama’s contribution to Ghana’s cultural sector, particularly through Red Clay Studio, and described the alleged assault as troubling, reaffirming the country’s commitment to justice and human rights.
Ms Gomashie added that she had engaged the Minister for the Interior on the matter and received assurances of full support in identifying those responsible.
“Please be assured that we stand with you; your safety, well-being, and your priceless contributions to the creative sector remain of utmost importance to Ghana and the world,” she said.
Source: Graphic Online
