In a significant ruling on November 22, 2024, the ECOWAS Court sided with Shalimar Abbuisi, spokesperson for the New Force political movement, in her human rights case against the Republic of Ghana.
The court found that Ghana had violated her fundamental rights, including wrongful arrest, rearrest, and illegal deportation, in December 2023.
The court determined that the actions of the Ghana Immigration Service breached Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees individuals’ liberty and security.
Consequently, the court ordered the Ghanaian government to pay Abbuisi $10,000 (approximately GHC160,000) in damages for the harm caused by these violations.
Abbuisi, a Belgian citizen, had been initially arrested on allegations of obtaining a student permit under false pretenses.
Although the charges were dropped by the State Prosecutor, Abbuisi was rearrested and deported to Belgium under an Executive Instrument.
The court emphasized the personal and professional harm Abbuisi suffered as a result of these unlawful actions.
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In her statement following the court’s decision, Abbuisi expressed relief and joy, declaring, “I WON MY COURT CASE AGAINST THE STATE OF GHANA!!! ECOWAS Court rules that the rearrest and detention on 19th December 2023 and eventual deportation of Shalimar Abbuisi was an unlawful violation to liberty.
I am vindicated—I thank GOD. This is a beautiful day for humanity; we are writing history.”
Abbuisi’s legal team, led by human rights lawyers Francis-Xavier Sosu and Belinda Narkey Quaynor, hailed the ruling as a victory for justice.
Sosu stated, “We feel vindicated that the ECOWAS Court has protected the rights of Shalimar.”
Justice has prevailed ❤️ we have written history !! pic.twitter.com/cjaLGSqTOW
— Shalimar (Shallie) Abbiusi (@Shallie_Abbiusi) November 22, 2024The New Force political movement also celebrated the ruling, reaffirming their commitment to justice and accountability in a democratic society.
This landmark decision reinforces the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law, highlighting the responsibility of governments and their institutions to respect individual liberties and ensure fair treatment for all.