Artist Ibrahim Mahama alleges assault by Police unit, loses tooth

Renowned artist Ibrahim Mahama has accused operatives of the Inspector General of Police’s Special Operations Team, commonly known as “Black Maria,” of assault, an incident he claims resulted in a dental injury.

According to Mr. Mahama, the founder of the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA) and the Red Clay Studio in Tamale, the altercation occurred during a traffic disruption caused by Eid prayers near a school close to the Mariam Hotel. He alleges that officers from the unit attacked him, leading to the loss of a tooth. He further stated that his uncle, who was driving the vehicle, also sustained injuries.

Mr. Mahama described the encounter as a violation of his rights, alleging that the officers forcibly entered his bus, compelled him to unlock his phone, and deleted photographs.

“They broke into our bus, forced me to open my phone, and deleted the pictures. From the beginning to the end, everything was an assault,” he alleged.

The artist was subsequently treated and discharged from Habana Hospital.

The IGP’s Special Operations Team has denied the allegations made against them.