Fire Destroys Ibrahim Mahama’s Heritage Train in Northern Region

A heritage train acquired by renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama has been destroyed by fire following an incident in Ghana’s Northern Region on February 18, 2026. The artist described the event as a “tragic misfortune,” revealing that the blaze was caused by sparks from ongoing repair works on the historic locomotive.

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Mahama expressed deep sorrow over the loss but confirmed that no injuries were recorded. He also extended gratitude to the Ghana National Fire Service for its swift response and support in managing the situation.

“Yesterday, we had a tragic misfortune of losing one of our trains to fire due to sparks from ongoing repairs,” he wrote. “Certainly, I am sure if a lot more care had been taken, this could have been prevented. No one was injured, thankfully. Our hearts may be broken, but our spirits are as high as ever.”

The destroyed train formed part of Ghana’s oldest railway stock, which is no longer in active service. Mahama had acquired it nearly two years ago as part of his broader preservation initiative based in Tamale. According to him, the locomotive had been scheduled last for body repairs due to the extensive rust and structural deterioration it had accumulated over decades.

The acquisition of decommissioned railway assets reflects Mahama’s longstanding commitment to preserving Ghana’s industrial and transportation heritage. Through his artistic and cultural projects, he has sought to repurpose abandoned infrastructure and materials, transforming them into sites of historical reflection and contemporary engagement.

Despite the setback, Mahama’s influence on the global art scene continues to grow. In December 2025, he made history by becoming the first African artist to top the prestigious ArtReview Power 100 list. The 2025 ranking recognized him as the most influential figure in contemporary art worldwide, marking a significant milestone for both the artist and Ghana’s creative industry.

At 38, Mahama rose dramatically from 14th position in 2024 to claim the number one spot in 2025. The recognition highlighted his impact on artistic innovation, cultural discourse, and institutional development over the past year. A PhD candidate in Painting and Sculpture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Mahama has consistently demonstrated a fusion of academic rigor and large-scale artistic experimentation.

Internationally acclaimed for his monumental installations crafted from repurposed jute sacks and industrial materials, Mahama explores themes of labor, migration, trade histories, and collective memory. His works have been exhibited in major museums, biennials, and public spaces across Africa, Europe, and North America.

Beyond his studio practice, Mahama has invested significantly in cultural development in northern Ghana. He founded key institutions, including the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA), Red Clay Studio, and Nkrumah Volini, all of which serve as platforms for artistic research, community engagement, and creative education. These initiatives have played a pivotal role in nurturing emerging artists and expanding access to contemporary art beyond Ghana’s capital.

In a related development previously reported, Mahama also acquired an abandoned aircraft formerly used by Ghana Airways, with plans to convert it into a mobile museum capable of traveling across the country.

While the destruction of the heritage train represents a significant loss to his preservation efforts, Mahama’s resilience and ongoing contributions continue to solidify Ghana’s position at the forefront of global contemporary art.