The Ghana Police Service has escalated investigations into the alleged assault on renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, transferring the case to its Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters.

The decision follows a high-level meeting on March 26, 2026, involving the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Management Board, and Mr Mahama, as authorities seek to ensure a thorough and impartial probe into the incident.

The alleged assault reportedly occurred on March 21, 2026, in Tamale, shortly after Mr Mahama attended Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.

According to his account, his vehicle was stopped near the Mariam Hotel junction during what appeared to be a routine police check, which later escalated into a confrontation.

Mr Mahama claims that officers believed to be part of the IGP’s Special Operations Team, popularly known as “Black Maria,” forced their way into his vehicle, compelled him to unlock his phone, deleted footage, and physically assaulted him.

He reported sustaining injuries including a broken tooth, cuts to his lips, rib pain and persistent headaches, for which he received treatment at a private facility.

However, police accounts differ. A statement attributed to DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil described the incident as a traffic enforcement operation that became heated due to the actions of a driver who allegedly obstructed traffic and failed to comply with police instructions.

Conflicting narratives have also emerged within the police service itself. While the Northern Regional Police Command indicated that the “Black Maria” unit had been withdrawn from the region weeks before the incident, DSP Jalil maintained that the unit was present on the day in question.

Addressing the development, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs, confirmed that the IGP had engaged Mr Mahama directly and ordered the CID to take over the criminal investigation.

She added that the Police Professional Standards Bureau has also been tasked to fast-track a parallel inquiry into the conduct of the officers involved.

“Any persons found culpable will be taken through the due process of the law,” she assured.

Mr Mahama has since indicated his intention to pursue legal action, stating that the incident disrupted several international engagements, including academic commitments and travel plans across Europe and beyond.

Authorities have called for calm as investigations proceed, assuring the public of transparency and accountability in handling the case.

Widely recognised on the global art scene, Mr Mahama made history in 2025 when he was ranked first on the ArtReview Power 100 list—the first African artist to achieve the distinction.