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CLAIM: A graphic published by “Ghana Today” (@_ghanatoday) profiling Sibamay Zakaria, the man who slapped a pastor in a video that triggered a police manhunt and his arrest on August 13, 2026, lists six positions attributed to him, including “Presidential Appointee to the National Hajj Board, 2025–present.”
VERDICT: Checks by DUBAWA indicate that the arrested suspect is not officially linked to the portfolios attributed to him, although he may have some links to officialdom in government or the police department.
Full Text
Alhaji Sibamay Zakaria gained public attention on August 12 to 13, 2026, when he was captured in a viral video slapping a handcuffed pastor, Apostle Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, at the Police Headquarters in Accra.
The pastor had been arrested for allegedly making derogatory comments about Prophet Mohammed. The Ghana Police Service arrested Zakaria, condemned the assault, and stated he was in custody assisting with investigations.
The Interior Minister reportedly ordered the IGP to investigate the incident. Even before his arrest, a controversial social media page, Ghana Today, posted a flier profiling Alhaji Sibamay Zakaria.
Part of the claim suggests that he is the NDC Greater Zongo caucus chairman. The publication also alleged that he is the Special Advisor to the Minister of Interior.
Graphic of the profile in circulation.
The claim attracted over 137 comments and over 125 shares. DUBAWA decided to investigate the claim because of the post’s virality and the need to ensure truth in public discourse.
Verification:
Presidential Appointee to the National Hajj Board (2025–present)
The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) issued a press release dated August 13, 2026, categorically stating that Alhaji Sibamay Zakaria is not a member of the Ghana Hajj Board and does not represent PAOG in any official capacity.
DUBAWA dug into the Official records and can confirm that the Hajj Board, sworn in by President Mahama in November 2025, consists of the following individuals.
The board is chaired by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, with members including Hon. Shaibu Mahama (MP), Dr Abdul-Samed Tanko, Mrs Alimatu Issahak, Alhaji Amadu Tanko, Alhaji Masaud Abubakar, and Chief Ahmed Ibrahim. Alhaji Sibamay Zakaria’s name does not appear on this list.
Greater Accra NDC Zongo Caucus Chairperson (2018–2022)
Available records indicate that the Greater Accra Regional NDC Zongo Caucus Coordinator during this period was Ismaila Horoya Ali. The profile lists “Chairperson,” while official records refer to “Coordinator.” No independent evidence supports the claim that Alhaji Sibamay Zakaria held this position. The claim is inconsistent with available public records.
National Leader of Imams for Mahama (2022–present)
No independent records or news reports confirm the existence of a formal group called “Imams for Mahama” with Alhaji Sibamay Zakaria as its National Leader. While there are documented engagements between President Mahama and Muslim leaders, including the National Chief Imam, this specific title and role could not be verified.
Special Advisor, Ministry of Interior (2025–present)
Ministry of Interior identifies COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah as a Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Interior, appointed in 2025.
There is no official record naming Alhaji Sibamay Zakaria as a Special Advisor to the Ministry. The claim cannot be verified from available sources.
For the suspect to have unrestrained access to the Police CID to interrogate and proceed to assault a suspect suggests he may have strong links to officials in government or to the police department, but he is neither the advisor to the Interior Minister nor any of the profiles attributed to him, at least not officially.
CONCLUSION
Three of the six claimed appointments the Hajj Board seat, the NDC Zongo Caucus chairpersonship, and the Interior Ministry advisory role are false, each contradicted by a named, sourced position-holder or an official denial.
