A faction of the public is calling for the dismantling of the IGP’s Special Operations Unit, popularly known as the Black Maria, following the accusation that members of the unit attacked renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama.

Although the Black Maria has been praised for the success of its operations by many, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, it has on several occasions been criticised, with many accusing members of the team of engaging in unprofessional conduct.

Others have also accused the Black Maria of breaking the law by brutalising innocent civilians through the use of excessive force, and have called for greater transparency and accountability in the operation of the unit.

Here are instances in which the IGP’s Special Operations Unit has been accused of wrongdoing.

Attack on Ibrahim Mahama:

The latest allegation of wrongdoing against the Black Maria is the alleged attack by its officers on the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Red Clay, Ibrahim Mahama, in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital.

Ibrahim Mahama has accused the IGP's Special Operations Task Force, popularly known as the Black Maria and led by DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, of brutalising him for no reason.

The Black Maria, in their defence, have reportedly said that they did not attack the award-winning artist, who was recently awarded a diplomatic passport by the government, but rather acted to save him from a mob.

Ibrahim Mahama, who lost some of his teeth during the attack, has rubbished the claims of the police and has insisted that they beat him up after he refused to delete visuals he took of them on the street.

Alleged Attack on Fancy Gadam:

The Black Maria was also accused of brutalising Tamale-based superstar musician Fancy Gadam.

The incident reportedly happened in January 2026.

Other reports indicate that the unit only stopped the musician for a routine check, but there was no physical attack on him by the team.

Clash with Chief of Banvum:

The Black Maria was also accused of brutalising residents and traditional leaders of the Banvum Traditional Area in Tamale.

The unit reportedly ransacked the area, beating every person on their way, after some youths clashed with police officers.

The attack on the residents, which reportedly occurred in the area, angered the Chief of Banvum, Banvumlana N'yɛb Lamashei Naa, who demanded that the IGP withdraw the unit from Tamale and replace it with a different one if needed.

He said that the leader of the unit, DSP Jalil, was on a personal vendetta to discredit the leadership of the regional police and other security agencies.

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The Black Maria has had some misunderstanding with the Banvum traditional ruler. The chief of Banvum has called on the IGP to remove the special operations team from the region

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