The ECOWAS Court has ruled in favor of Shalimar Abbiusi, spokesperson for the New Force Movement, stating that her arrest and detention in December 2023 were unlawful . Abbiusi was accused of submitting false documents to obtain a residence permit, but despite the charges being dropped, she was still detained and deported.
The court found that Ghana violated Abbiusi's rights under Article 6 of the Liberty of People and ordered the government to provide compensation . Abbiusi's lawyer, Francis Xavier-Sosu, expressed gratitude to the court, saying that the ruling vindicates Abbiusi's rights.
The New Force Movement has welcomed the decision, reaffirming its commitment to justice and accountability in Africa They urge the Ghanaian government to respect human rights and uphold the rule of law, as guaranteed by the Constitution.
The ECOWAS Court has ruled that Ghana must compensate Shalimar Abbiusi, the spokesperson for the New Force Movement, for her unlawful detention and deportation in December 2023 . The court found that Ghana violated Abbiusi's fundamental rights, specifically Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees the liberty and security of individuals.
Abbiusi was initially arrested on allegations of obtaining a student permit under false pretenses, but the charges were later dropped. However, she was rearrested and deported to Belgium under an Executive Instrument. The court noted that these actions caused significant damage to her personal and professional reputation.
As a result, the ECOWAS Court has ordered the Ghanaian government to pay Abbiusi $10,000 (approximately GHC160,000) in damages . This landmark case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law.