DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil to step down Black Maria leader

DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil is set to step down as head of the Ghana Police Service’s Special Operations Team, popularly known as “Black Maria", as part of a planned leadership transition within the unit. A successor is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

In a video circulating on social media, DSP Bawah addressed team members, confirming that the unit remains fully operational despite the forthcoming changes in leadership.

The announcement follows an alleged assault involving renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama in Tamale on March 21.

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Initial reports linked personnel from the Special Operations Team to the incident; however, DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil refuted those claims, affirming that his officers were not present at the scene.

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The matter has since been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau, which investigates allegations of misconduct within the Ghana Police Service.

Addressing his team, DSP Bawah signalled the upcoming leadership change and urged members to continue supporting the unit.

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“Today, we are going to move on with the IGP’s special operations because it is still in existence, but there’s going to be a change in the leadership. The leadership that is coming is still going to be the leadership that is going to work for the IGP,” he stated.

“I believe with the total support that I had from you, whoever is going to take over from me, everyone will join hands and make sure we keep this country safe irrespective of whatever reservations we have.”

The transition is expected to shape the future of the special operations team, reinforcing accountability and sustaining public confidence in the Ghana Police Service.