The Northern Regional Police Command has launched an investigation into allegations that visual artist Ibrahim Mahama was assaulted by some police officers in Tamale.
In a statement issued on Saturday, March 21, the Command assured the public that updates on the ongoing probe will be communicated as they become available.
The police also dismissed reports linking the Special Operations Team, popularly known as “Black Maria,” to the incident, describing such claims as false. According to the Command, the unit had already withdrawn from the Northern Region earlier in March on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.
Mr Mahama, who is the founder of the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA) and Red Clay Studio, alleged that he was assaulted by individuals he believed to be members of the Special Operations Team.
The incident reportedly left him with dental injuries, including the loss of a tooth, while his uncle, who was driving at the time, also sustained injuries.
Mr Mahama said the confrontation occurred during a traffic situation caused by Eid prayers at a school near the Mariam Hotel in Tamale.
Meanwhile, the Special Operations Team has also denied any involvement. In a telephone interview, the unit’s commander, DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, stated that although his team was in Tamale for Eid al-Fitr celebrations, they were not directly involved in the incident, describing media reports as a misrepresentation of events.
