The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh-Yohuno, has directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) to launch an investigation into the alleged assault on artist Ibrahim Mahama in Tamale.

The directive, announced via the Ghana Police Service’s official social media account on March 21, comes amid public outcry following the artist’s claims that he was attacked by police.

Viewer discretion advised: Artiste Ibrahim Mahama narrates assault incident involving The Black Maria task force of the @GhPoliceService #GBCNews pic.twitter.com/kMNyctnpC2

— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) March 21, 2026

According to the police statement, the PPSB investigation will run concurrently with the criminal investigation already underway by the Northern Regional Command.

The dual-track approach signals an effort to ensure both internal accountability regarding the conduct of officers and a broader criminal inquiry into the incident.

Mr. Mahama, the founder of the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA), Red Clay Studio, and Nkrumah Voli-ni, is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital. He has alleged that officers broke into a bus he was in, forced him to unlock his phone, and deleted its contents, describing the ordeal as a violation of his rights.

The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf Mboridiba, had previously condemned the incident, stating that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) would not tolerate lawlessness. He noted that the police command was initially unaware of any Black Maria team operating in the region but assured that anyone found culpable would be dealt with.

The Police Professional Standards Bureau is the internal affairs unit responsible for investigating misconduct and human rights violations involving police personnel. The IGP’s decision to involve the PPSB suggests a heightened level of scrutiny as the service seeks to address growing public concern over the incident.

The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that the outcome of both investigations will be communicated in due course.