By Emmanuel Nii Sackey
Ghana’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has tasked the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) to initiate immediate investigation into alleged assault on Ghanaian Visual Artist, Ibrahim Mahatma. The visual artist met with the Police Management Board at the police headquarters in Accra today, amidst intensified investigations into allegations of assault by police officers.
The incident reportedly occurred on March 21 and involved a group believed to be part of the Inspector General of Police’s Special Operations Team, known as the ‘Black Maria.’
Mahama expressed confidence that justice would be served, citing assurances from the Inspector General of Police that the matter would undergo thorough investigation.
‘The Inspector General of Police assured us that he would ensure a thorough investigation into the matter,’ Mahama stated,” noting that the police force has generally been supportive of his work, with officers frequently visiting his cultural projects, and emphasized that ‘we don’t have any problem,’ while expressing hope for justice specifically for the unit involved.
Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, stated that the Inspector General of Police had assured Ibrahim Mahama that investigations into the alleged assault would continue until resolution.
“The Inspector General of Police directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau to initiate an investigation, and “we are conducting both criminal and professional conduct investigations concurrently,’ she explained.” She added that the Regional Command had made progress in the investigation, including taking statements and visiting the scene, and that the Inspector General of Police had directed the CID headquarters to assume oversight of the case and expedite investigations.