The ECOWAS Court has ruled in favor of Shalimar Abbiusi, spokesperson for the New Force, in a case against the Republic of Ghana for violating her fundamental rights.
The court determined that Ghana violated the rights of Shalimar Abbiusi by wrongfully arresting, rearresting, and illegally deporting her in December 2023, resulting in significant damage to her personal and professional reputation.
The court said Ms Abbiusi’s wrongful arrest, subsequent rearrest, and illegal deportation by the Ghana Immigration Service contravene Article 6 of the Liberty of People. This comes despite all charges against her being dropped by the State Prosecutor.
The court’s decision mandated compensation from the Ghanaian government. The Madina legislator, Francis-Xavier Sosu, Esq, who represented Ms Abbiusi alongside Lawyer Belinda Narkey Quaynor, expressed his gratitude for the court’s decision.
He said, “We feel vindicated that the ECOWAS Court has protected the rights of Shalimar.”
The New Force reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring fairness and justice across African nations and urged the Ghanaian government to “respect human rights and uphold the rule of law, as guaranteed by our Constitution.”
The New Force further declared, “The actions against Ms. Abbiusi exemplify a broader issue of political persecution that threatens the foundations of democracy in Ghana.”
The party called on civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and the international community to condemn such violations. They urged that efforts be made to reform governmental institutions.
Background
It can be recalled that the Ghana Immigration Service explained why Ms. Shalimar Abbuisi was arrested and later repatriated. Miss Shalimar is a Belgian national and was the spokesperson for The New Force, a new political group in Ghana.
She was repatriated on the 19th of December, 2023, aboard Air Brussels Flt. No. SN 319 back to her home country.
