Celebrated Ghanaian visual artist Ibrahim Mahama has alleged that he was assaulted by police officers on Saturday morning while traveling through Tamale in the Northern Region.

Mahama, founder of the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA) and CEO of Red Clay, said the incident occurred as he was returning from the mosque.

In a statement issued shortly after the alleged encounter, the artist described the incident as a “brutal assault” and called for prayers.

According to accounts attributed to Mahama, the situation began when police officers reportedly forced their way through heavy traffic, causing gridlock in the area. A passenger aboard the bus in which Mahama was traveling is said to have questioned the officers’ actions, prompting them to stop the vehicle.

The officers allegedly demanded that the bus pull over, leading to further exchanges with passengers who challenged their conduct.

Mahama stated that he had begun recording the unfolding scene when officers allegedly turned on him, physically assaulting him and confiscating his phone. He further claimed that footage of the incident was deleted from his device.

Eyewitness accounts and images circulating on social media appear to show the artist with visible injuries, including blood-stained clothing, a cut lip, and what has been described as a broken tooth, as he sought medical attention.

In response, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has ordered an investigation into the incident.

The Ghana Police Service has, however, refuted reports suggesting that its Special Operations Team—popularly known as “Black Maria”—was involved. According to the police, the unit had already been withdrawn from the Northern Region prior to the incident and could not have participated.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing and have assured the public that findings will be communicated transparently.

Mahama is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential contemporary artists, with a strong international profile and significant contributions to cultural development initiatives in northern Ghana. He was recently granted a diplomatic passport in recognition of his role in promoting Ghanaian arts and culture both locally and globally.