The Ghana Police Service has transferred investigations into the alleged assault of renowned visual artist Ibrahim Mahama to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters.

The decision follows a meeting on Thursday, 26 March 2026, between the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), members of the Police Management Board, and Mr Mahama.

The incident reportedly occurred on March 21, 2026, as Mr Mahama was returning from Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at a mosque in Tamale.

Mr Mahama claims officers from the IGP’s Special Operations Team, known as the Black Maria, entered his bus, forced him to unlock his phone, and deleted footage he had taken before assaulting him. He reportedly sustained injuries including a broken tooth, cut lips, rib pain, and recurring headaches, for which he sought treatment at a private facility in Tamale.

At a press briefing on 23 March, Mr Mahama said the incident had disrupted his schedule, forcing the postponement of lectures at the Royal College of Art, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Oxford, as well as planned trips to Helsinki, Amsterdam, and South Africa. He also indicated plans to take legal action against the officers involved.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service, confirmed that the IGP met Mr Mahama and listened to his account.

She said the IGP had directed the CID Headquarters to take over the criminal investigation from the Regional Command, while also instructing the Police Professional Standards Bureau to expedite a separate inquiry into the conduct of the officers involved.

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“Any persons found culpable will be taken through the due process of the law,” ACP Ansah-Akrofi said.

She added that the Regional Command had earlier taken statements from Mr Mahama and his team, visited the scene, and met him at his residence before the meeting. The police have assured the public and Mr Mahama of a thorough investigation and urged calm.