The Ghana Police Service has given assurances of a comprehensive inquiry into allegations by celebrated visual artist Ibrahim Mahama that he was assaulted by police officers in Tamale.
This commitment was made following a meeting between Mr. Mahama and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), together with members of the Police Management Board, as part of ongoing efforts to address the matter, which reportedly took place on March 21.
Addressing journalists after the engagement, Director-General of Public Affairs, DCOP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, said the IGP had personally spoken with Mr. Mahama and reiterated the Service’s resolve to establish the facts.
“Following the incident in Tamale on the 21st of March, the Inspector General of Police extended an invitation to Mr Ibrahim Mahama. Today he came with a delegation to meet with the IGP and members of the Police Management Board,” she stated.
She explained that the IGP listened to Mr. Mahama’s narration and assured him that the investigation would continue.
“The IGP listened to his side of the story, and he assured him that investigations will continue so we get to the bottom of this matter,” she added.
DCOP Ansah-Akrofi further noted that inquiries had already begun soon after the IGP was informed of the incident.
“As soon as it came to the IGP’s attention, he directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau to commence an investigation, and we assured the public that both the criminal investigation and the professional conduct investigation would go on side by side,” she said.
She disclosed that progress had been made at the regional level, with officers taking statements from Mr. Mahama and his team, visiting the alleged scene, and checking on him at his residence.
Providing updates, she said the IGP had now escalated the matter for a more thorough probe.
“He has directed that the CID Headquarters take over the investigation. He has also directed the Director-General of the Police Professional Standards Bureau to expedite action,” she revealed.
DCOP Ansah-Akrofi emphasized that the Service is committed to collaborating with the artist throughout the process.
“Our assurance to Mr Ibrahim Mahama is that the police are willing to work with him throughout the investigation process so we get to the end of this,” she said, stressing that he had been promised a “thorough investigation.”
She also mentioned that Mr. Mahama acknowledged his longstanding relationship with the Police Service during the meeting.
“He recounted to the police how much the police have been useful to him in his business… and that he has been a friend of the police,” she noted, describing the incident as regrettable.
The Police Service has pledged accountability should misconduct be established. “Any persons found culpable will be taken through the due process of the law,” she affirmed.
DCOP Ansah-Akrofi appealed to the public to remain calm as investigations proceed, assuring that both Mr. Mahama and the public would be kept informed.
“So we call for calm and have asked that they remain calm, and we’ll keep them updated, and we’ll keep the public updated as well as both investigations evolve,” she said.
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