Artist Ibrahim Mahama says he was the victim of police violence in his home city of Tamale, northern Ghana.
Posts on the social media accounts of the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art, the non-profit arts centre established by Mahama, and blaxTARLINES, the collective the artist is a key member of, detail an incident alleged to have occurred on Saturday while Mahama was returning from prayers at mosque with his family.
Local police are alleged to have become frustrated while clearing a traffic jam, banging on vehicles, and then resorting to violence. In the ensuing fracas Mahama and his uncle sustained injuries, the artist breaking a tooth and needing medical attention.
The family were travelling in a Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art branded bus.
‘I sincerely hope that this case is not only thoroughly investigated, but also leads to meaningful reflection and change. The people of Ghana deserve a police service that protects them – not one they have to fear,’ Mahama wrote.
The police have claimed they were attacked by a crowd and responded.
Mahama has since cancelled travel plans to the UK where he was due to give a series of lectures, as well as forthcoming trips to Helsinki, Amsterdam and South Africa.
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