Renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama has suspended a series of high-profile international engagements following an alleged assault by officers of the Ghana Police Service that left him injured and traumatized.
Mr. Mahama, founder of the Red Clay Studio, announced the cancellation of his scheduled appearances at a press conference in Tamale on March 23, 2026. The artist was slated to deliver lectures at the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the Royal Academy of Arts in London this week, with subsequent commitments in Helsinki, Milan, and Venice.
According to Mr. Mahama, the incident occurred on Saturday, March 21, 2026, shortly after Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. He stated that he was returning home with family members when his vehicle became stuck in heavy traffic near the Mariam Hotel junction in Tamale.
He alleged that a team of police officers, attempting to force their way through the congestion, redirected their frustration toward civilians. Mr. Mahama claimed the officers approached his vehicle, entered it without authorization, and physically assaulted him and his uncle.
The artist reported sustaining significant injuries from the altercation, including a broken front tooth. He stated he is currently receiving medical treatment.
“I cannot really sleep at night because my entire body, especially my ribs, are paining me and my mouth is full of sores,” Mr. Mahama said, describing the aftermath of the alleged assault.
He further alleged that the officers transported 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 threatened that they can kill us and nothing will happen to them,” he claimed.
Mr. Mahama noted that he has lodged a formal complaint with the Northern Regional Police Command, where his statement was taken and a medical report was issued. He called for justice and accountability to prevent similar incidents.
Official Reactions
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, has condemned the alleged assault, stating that any officers found culpable will face the full rigors of the law.
The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed an investigation into the incident.
In a statement, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, expressed deep concern and sympathy for the artist. She highlighted Mr. Mahama’s significant contributions to Ghana’s cultural sector and described the allegations as troubling.
“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,” Ms. Gomashie said. She added that she has engaged the Minister for the Interior and received assurances of full support in identifying those responsible.
