The ECOWAS Court of Justice has ruled against the Republic of Ghana for violating the fundamental rights of Shalimar Abbiusi, the spokesperson for the political group New Force.
The court found Ghana culpable of wrongful arrest, rearrest, and illegal deportation of Ms Abbiusi in December 2023, despite the charges against her being dropped by the State Prosecutor. The actions, carried out by the Ghana Immigration Service, were deemed to have caused significant harm to her personal and professional reputation.
The judges declared that these acts breached Article 6 on the liberty of individuals, ordering Ghana’s government to pay compensation.
Ms Abbiusi was represented by Madina Member of Parliament, Francis-Xavier Sosu, and Lawyer Belinda Narkey Quaynor. Speaking after the verdict, Mr Sosu said:
“We feel vindicated that the ECOWAS Court has protected the rights of Shalimar. This is a significant victory for justice and accountability.”
In a statement, New Force condemned the actions against Ms Abbiusi, describing them as part of a pattern of political persecution undermining democracy in Ghana.
“The actions against Ms Abbiusi exemplify a broader issue of political persecution that threatens the foundations of democracy in Ghana,” the group said.
They called on civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the international community to denounce such violations and support institutional reforms.
This ruling marks a significant moment in regional efforts to uphold the rule of law and human rights across West Africa.
Source:TheDotNews