Renowned Ghanaian Artist, Ibrahim Mahama, has suspended a series of international engagements following an alleged assault by some personnel of the Ghana Police Service in Tamale that left him injured and traumatised.
The artist, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Red Clay Studio, said the incident had forced him to halt work and cancel planned lectures and exhibitions across Europe.
He was scheduled to travel to London to deliver lectures at the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford and the Royal Academy of Arts Institute, before continuing to Helsinki, Milan, and Venice this week.
However, the artist said he had to cancel all the planned trips due to the incident.
Incident
Giving an account of the incident at a press conference in Tamale yesterday, Mr Mahama said the incident occurred shortly after the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers on Saturday, March 21, 2026, when he was returning home with some family members.
He said his vehicle was caught up in heavy traffic near the Mariam Hotel junction in Tamale, adding that amid the congestion, a team of officers from the Ghana Police Service reportedly attempted to force their way through.
He explained that when the officers could not find their way out, they redirected their frustration towards nearby civilians, approached Mahama’s vehicle, entered and assaulted him and his uncle.
As a result, Mr Mahama sustained injuries, including a broken front tooth, and has been receiving medical treatment.
He said the assault had left him traumatised and in pain, stating, “I cannot really sleep at night because my entire body aches, especially my ribs and my mouth is full of sores”.
After reportedly assaulting them, the artist said the officers dragged them to the Sakasaka police station, where they were 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 threatened that they can kill us and nothing will happen to them …” he said.
He has since lodged a complaint at the Northern Regional Police Command, where a medical report was issued and his statement taken.
Mr Mahama, therefore, called on the authorities to ensure that justice was served and that such incidents did not go unpunished.
Condemnation
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, has since condemned the act and given the assurance that the officers found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has called for an investigation into the matter.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 22, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, expressed deep concern over the incident and extended heartfelt sympathy.
She acknowledged Mr Mahama’s immense contributions to Ghana’s cultural landscape, particularly through his work with Red Clay Studio, which has positioned Ghana as a significant voice on the global creative stage.
She described the assault as deeply troubling and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law.
Ms Gomashie added that she had held discussions with the Minister for the Interior, who assured her 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.”
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh