SHALLIE Abbuisi, spokesperson of the New Force movement in Ghana, has filed a writ against the Ghana government at the ECOWAS Court of Justice for what she described was an unlawful arrest, detention and deportation by the Ghana Immigration Service last December.
In an interview with Africa Briefing that unveils a harrowing tale of injustice and political persecution, Shallie Abbiusi, a Belgian national and long-term resident of Ghana, shares her tumultuous journey from philanthropy to imprisonment. Abbiusi’s narrative underscores the vulnerabilities inherent in Ghana’s legal system and the alarming ease with which power can be abused.
Abbiusi’s introduction to Ghana was serendipitous, stemming from her participation as a beauty queen representing Belgium in an international pageant. ‘Ghana left an indelible mark on my heart,’ Abbiusi recalls fondly, reminiscing about her initial encounter with the country’s vibrant culture and warm hospitality. It was this affection that drew her back in 2020, leading to a career as a television presenter and humanitarian advocate.
However, Abbiusi’s aspirations for positive change took an unexpected turn when she crossed paths with Nana Bediako, also known as Freedom, the enigmatic leader of the New Force movement. Their meeting occurred during a charity event aimed at aiding victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage, a calamity that ravaged communities along the Volta River. ‘We connected over our shared commitment to social upliftment,’ Abbiusi recounts, ‘and Freedom’s vision for empowering youth resonated deeply with me.’
Accepting the role of spokesperson for New Force, Abbiusi embarked on a journey that would thrust her into the spotlight and ultimately into the throes of persecution. ‘I believed in the movement’s mission to effect positive change,’ she affirms, ‘but little did I know the challenges that lay ahead.’
Abbiusi’s troubles began with a seemingly routine summons from immigration authorities to clarify her residency status. ‘I was taken aback,’ she admits, ‘having never encountered any issues during my years in Ghana.’ However, what ensued was far from routine. ‘They interrogated me relentlessly about the New Force movement,’ Abbiusi recalls, ‘despite my insistence that I was there for my resident permit.’
The situation escalated rapidly as Abbiusi found herself detained without cause. ‘I was thrust into a nightmarish reality,’ she reflects, describing the squalid conditions of her confinement. ‘Overcrowded cells, unsanitary facilities, and intimidation tactics became the norm.’
As days turned into weeks, Abbiusi’s ordeal intensified with her arrest on baseless charges of document forgery. ‘I was denied access to legal counsel,’ she asserts, ‘and coerced into making decisions without proper representation.’ Despite the absence of evidence, her mistreatment persisted unabated.
‘It became clear that my detention was politically motivated,’ Abbiusi states firmly, ‘an orchestrated attempt to silence dissent and stifle advocacy.’ Her unwavering resolve to challenge these injustices serves as a beacon of hope for all those silenced by oppression.
Abbiusi’s legal battle took her through a tumultuous journey within Ghana’s judicial system. Despite her insistence on innocence and lack of evidence against her, she faced repeated court appearances and persistent harassment from the authorities. The ordeal reached its climax when, following the dropping of charges against her, she was re-arrested under dubious circumstances.
‘They revoked my resident permit and labelled me an illegal immigrant,’ Abbiusi reveals, her voice tinged with indignation. ‘It was a blatant disregard for due process and a clear violation of my rights.’ The subsequent deportation, executed without proper documentation or legal recourse, further underscored the arbitrary nature of her persecution.
Throughout her ordeal, Abbiusi remained steadfast in her commitment to seek justice. ‘I refuse to be silenced,’ she declares defiantly, ‘and I will hold accountable those responsible for my persecution.’ Her determination underscores the urgent need for reform within Ghana’s legal and immigration systems.
As Abbiusi prepares to pursue legal recourse against the state, her story resonates as a call to action for advocates of human rights and defenders of democracy. ‘My fight is not just for myself,’ she emphasises, ‘but for all those who have been silenced and marginalised.’
In recounting her experiences, Abbiusi shines a light on the systemic flaws that undermine the rule of law in Ghana. ‘We cannot turn a blind eye to these injustices,’ she urges, ‘for silence only perpetuates oppression.’ Her courage in speaking out serves as an inspiration to all who dare to challenge the status quo.
As Abbiusi’s story reverberates beyond the confines of her confinement, it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest for truth, accountability, and justice. In a world fraught with injustice, her unwavering resolve stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Throughout her ordeal, Abbiusi’s unwavering resolve and commitment to justice remained undiminished. ‘I refuse to be silenced,’ she declares, her voice resolute. ‘My fight is not just for myself but for all those who have suffered similar injustices.’ As she continues to pursue legal recourse and advocacy efforts, Abbiusi’s story serves as a stark reminder of the enduring struggle for human rights and the imperative of holding power to account.