Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has condemned the reported assault on prominent art patron and businessman Ibrahim Mahama, describing the incident as “totally unacceptable” and raising broader concerns about the treatment of citizens by security personnel.
In a statement issued from Accra, Madam Gomashie expressed solidarity with Mr Mahama and praised his contributions to Ghana’s creative arts sector, particularly through Red Clay Studio, which has elevated Ghanaian contemporary art on the global stage.
Speaking on Citi Prime News, the Minister said she personally contacted Mr Mahama to learn about the ordeal before escalating the matter to the Minister for the Interior, who confirmed that the Inspector General of Police had launched an investigation.
“This is one too many,” Madam Gomashie stated, highlighting the need for accountability and systemic reforms within security agencies. She warned that repeated incidents of misconduct could erode public trust, noting that if someone of Mr Mahama’s standing can face such treatment, ordinary citizens may be at greater risk.
The Minister also underscored the Ministry’s commitment to supporting creatives, assuring Mr Mahama and others in the arts sector that assistance would be available throughout recovery and any pursuit of justice.
Madam Gomashie called on the police to conduct a thorough, transparent inquiry and to ensure that any wrongdoing is duly punished, emphasizing that incidents undermining personal safety and dignity must be taken seriously in a country governed by justice and the rule of law.
The Ministry reiterated its stance against abuse and reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of stakeholders in Ghana’s creative ecosystem, while urging systemic reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
