Seventeen days after acclaimed Ghanaian visual artist Ibrahim Mahama was reportedly assaulted by police officers, public concern is mounting over the lack of transparency in the investigation.
The alleged incident, which occurred on March 21, reportedly involved personnel from the Ghana Police Service’s Special Operations Team, known as the “Black Maria.” While the team has denied involvement, the case was referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau, the internal unit responsible for probing police misconduct.
Despite the passage of nearly three weeks, the Bureau has provided no updates on progress or findings, fueling speculation about accountability and institutional responsiveness.
Mahama, who met with the Police Management Board (POMAB) on March 26, stressed that his pursuit of justice is about institutional integrity rather than financial gain. “We are not looking for money. It’s more about justice,” he said, highlighting the broader need for public confidence in law enforcement and democratic institutions.
Authorities had invited Mahama and the Northern Regional Police Commander to assist in the inquiry, but no public briefing has followed, leaving civil society groups and citizens increasingly vocal in demanding a transparent investigative process.
The prolonged silence underscores a growing expectation that Ghana’s law enforcement must uphold both accountability and public trust, particularly in high-profile cases involving alleged abuse of power.
