The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has directed the Government of Ghana to compensate the spokesperson for the New Force Movement, Shalimar Abbiusi, following an unlawful arrest and deportation.A sum of ten thousand dollars (USD10,000) which is equivalent to one hundred and fifty, nine and fifty and eight pesewas Ghana Cedis (GHS157,953.80) is expected to be paid to Shalimar Abbiusi.

The ECOWAS Court argues that her rights were violated, emphasizing that the actions taken against her were in breach of international human rights standards and protections.

Shalimar Abbiusi was initially detained on December 4, 2023, after being accused of falsifying documents to obtain a student residence permit at Ghana Christian University College.

Although she was granted bail by National Security, she was rearrested and deported on December 20, 2023, just a day after charges against her were dropped by prosecutors from the Ghana Immigration Service.Meanwhile, The New Force Movement has called on civil society organisations, human rights defenders, and the international community to join in condemning these violations and to support reforms that protect human rights in Ghana.“We call on civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the international community to join us in condemning these violations and supporting efforts for meaningful reform in Ghana. Together, we can foster a future where every individual’s rights are respected and protected. For further information or media inquiries, please contact our communications team at info@thenewforce.org,” it stated.The New Force Movement reaffirmed its commitment to the fair application of laws across Africa and urged the Ghanaian government to respect human rights and the rule of law, as guaranteed by the nation's Constitution.“The New Force is dedicated to ensuring that laws are upheld fairly across all African nations, advocating for the rights of individuals regardless of their background. We urge the Ghanaian government to respect human rights and uphold the rule of law, as guaranteed by our Constitution. The actions against Ms. Abbiusi exemplify a broader issue of political persecution that threatens the foundations of democracy in Ghana. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to promote transparency and accountability within governmental institutions for the benefit of all.”

Reacting to the ruling, the legal representatives for Abbiusi, Francis-Xavier Sosu and Belinda Narkey Quaynor, expressed their satisfaction with the ruling.

Lawyer Sosu particularly praised the court’s decision, which he believes upheld his client's rights adding that he "feels vindicated that the ECOWAS Court has protected the rights of Shalimar."