The Ghana Police Service has announced that it has begun an investigation into the alleged assault on visual artist Ibrahim Mahama by some police officers.

In a statement issued by the Police Service and signed by Chief Inspector Luckman Niendow Alhassan on March 21, 2026, it stated that claims suggesting Ibrahim Mahama was assaulted by the IGP’s Special Operations Team, known as the “Black Maria,” are false.

According to the statement, the team is no longer operating in the Northern Region following its withdrawal by the Inspector-General of Police. The public has therefore been urged to disregard earlier reports suggesting otherwise.

Visual artist Ibrahim Mahama hospitalised after brutal police attack – Report

“…claims in sections of the media that the Special Operations Team (the ‘Black Maria’) was involved in this case are false, since the team has been out of the Northern Region following its withdrawal by the Inspector-General of Police on Thursday, March 5, 2026,” the statement noted.

The Police Service further assured the public that updates on the ongoing investigation would be communicated in due course.

“The command assures the public that updates on the ongoing investigation will be duly communicated,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Mahama is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Tamale after he was allegedly assaulted by some police officers.

According to a report by 3news.com on March 21, 2026, he described the incident as a violation of his rights.

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

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PRESS RELEASE:

POLICE INVESTIGATE REPORTED ASSAULT ON ARTIST, MR IBRAHIM MAHAMA pic.twitter.com/bdla0lGuSs

— Ghana Police Service (@GhPoliceService) March 21, 2026