ECOWAS Court declares deportation of New Force spokesperson unlawful, awards $10,000 compensation

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has ruled that Ghana’s rearrest, detention, and subsequent deportation of Shalimar Abbiusi, spokesperson for the New Force political movement, in December 2023 were unlawful and a violation of her fundamental rights.

The court awarded Ms. Abbiusi $10,000 (approximately GHC160,000) in compensation, citing the breach of her right to liberty under Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The ruling was delivered after the court established its jurisdiction to hear the case.

Ms. Abbiusi expressed her joy in a social media post on Friday, November 22.

“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 Abbiusi was an unlawful violation to liberty. I am vindicated—I thank GOD. This is a beautiful day for humanity; we are writing history,” she declared.

Background to the Case
Ms. Abbiusi, a Belgian citizen, was deported from Ghana in December 2023 after charges of obtaining a student permit through false declarations were dropped.

Despite the withdrawal of charges, she was rearrested and detained before being deported under an Executive Instrument.

The deportation drew widespread criticism, with her legal team, led by renowned human rights lawyer Francis-Xavier Sosu, accusing the Ghana Immigration Service of violating her fundamental rights.

Speaking at the time, Mr. Sosu described the mode of deportation as “shameful and disgraceful.”

“There was no deportation order by the Minister, only an Executive Instrument. Holding her, denying her access to her lawyers and family, and escorting her with men in uniform violated her rights. She should have had the liberty to leave Ghana for any destination of her choice, not be forcefully sent to Belgium,” he said.

Sosu, who appeared alongside Lawyer Belinda Narkey Quaynor during the court proceedings, welcomed the decision.

“I feel vindicated that the ECOWAS Court has protected the right of Shalimar. This is a victory for justice and human rights across the region,” he remarked.