Tamale, March 24, – Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, founder of Red Clay Studio and the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA), has announced plans to pursue legal action against the Ghana Police Service over an alleged assault by some officers in Tamale.
Incident After Eid-ul-Fitr Prayers
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Mahama said the incident occurred on Saturday, March 21, shortly after he and his family attended Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.
He explained that due to heavy traffic around prayer grounds, including the Ambariyya Mosque and St. Paul’s School in Tamale, they attempted to navigate alternative routes after prayers.
Allegations of Assault
According to Mr Mahama, the situation escalated near a junction close to the Mariam Hotel, where police officers allegedly attempted to clear traffic.
He claimed that:
Officers became aggressive when drivers could not immediately comply
His uncle, who was driving, was allegedly assaulted while explaining the situation
Some officers reportedly hit the vehicle and physically attacked occupants
Mr Mahama further alleged that when he attempted to record the incident, officers accused him of provoking them and assaulted him, resulting in:
Broken front teeth
Bruised lips and mouth injuries
Detention and Phone Access
He said they were subsequently taken to a police station at Sakasaka, where officers allegedly compelled him to unlock his phone, leading to the deletion of photos and videos.
Impact and Legal Action
Mr Mahama indicated that the injuries have disrupted his professional schedule, including international lectures in the United Kingdom, Helsinki, Amsterdam, and South Africa.
He stated that the intended legal action seeks to:
Hold the officers accountable
Prevent similar incidents involving civilians
He also called for a review and possible disbandment of the “Black Maria” unit, which he alleged was involved in the incident.
Ongoing Developments
The case adds to ongoing investigations by the Northern Regional Police Command, which has earlier indicated that inquiries into the incident are underway.
GHBUSS
March 24, 2026
No comments:
Post a Comment