Ibrahim Mahama and Members of the Police Management Board in a group photograph
Ghanaian Visual Artist, Ibrahim Mahama, has debunked rumours of over-dramatising his recent assault by the police just to receive compensation and sympathy from higher authorities.
The assault was reported to have occurred on March 21, involving a group of armed police officers believed to be part of the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) Special Operations Team known as the ‘Black Maria’.
Speaking during a press briefing after his visit to the IGP’s office at the Police Headquarters in Accra, the Founder of Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art, located in Tamale, emphasised that following the assault, he aims to ensure justice is served to him and his uncle, and not to seek compensation from the Service.
“We are not looking for money or compensation. Obviously, I don’t need that. It’s not about that. It’s more just about justice, just to make sure at least people understand what happened.
“Because we are all in a country, we are in a democracy. We just want to understand what is happening and see how we can solve it. So that other people outside elsewhere will know that when things like this happen, at least they are assured that in the country that they live in, the matter will be taken seriously and there will be some kind of justice,” he disclosed.
When asked if he had over-dramatised the incident, Mr. Mahama denied dramatising the assault, saying, “If I want to dramatise, I will dramatise it through the work that I do itself, not through in this situation,” he said.
Mr. Mahama mentioned that the IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has taken over the case involving the attack in Tamale, promising to handle it at the highest level.
“The case has been transferred from Tamale to Accra, with the IGP’s office overseeing the probe. The IGP has assured us they’ll deal with it at the highest level. He has promised to get to the bottom of the matter, and the case is now with the CID and Police headquarters,” he added.
Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, said the IGP has assured Ibrahim Mahama that investigations into the alleged assault will continue until the matter is resolved.
“The IGP directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau to commence an investigation, and we’re doing both criminal and professional conduct investigations side by side,” she explained.
She added that the Regional Command has made progress in the investigation, taking statements and visiting the scene. The IGP has now directed the CID headquarters to take over the case and expedite investigations.
“The police are willing to work with Ibrahim Mahama throughout the investigation process, and we’re assured of a thorough investigation,” she said.
DCOP Ansah-Akrofi also highlighted Mr. Mahama’s cooperation with the police, noting that he has provided escorts and is a “Friend of the Police”. She appealed for calm, stating that anyone found culpable will face the law, and updates will be provided as investigations continue.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke