In a controversial turn of events, Shalimar Abbiusi, the spokesperson for the political movement New Force, has been deported to her native Belgium. The decision to deport her has sparked allegations of unfair treatment and human rights violations.
Abbiusi was deported subsequent to the state dropping charges of obtaining a student permit with false declaration, only to rearrest her afterward. Her legal representatives had accused the Ghana Immigration Service of orchestrating her deportation following the withdrawal of the charge. However, the Immigration Service clarified that a final decision regarding her fate had not been reached.
Francis Xavier Sosu, lead counsel for Ms. Abbiusi, confirmed her departure in an interview with Citi News. He expressed dismay at the mode of her deportation, citing it as a violation of her fundamental human rights. Sosu stated, “I received information that last night, she was being escorted to board a Brussels Airline flight to Belgium. This act is shameful and disgraceful. There was no deportation order by the Minister, but an Executive Instrument was used. Denying her access to her legal counsel and family, and escorting her with uniformed men, was a violation.”
He further highlighted that although her visa had been revoked with instructions to leave Ghana within 24 hours, there was no official deportation order. This prompted concerns over the manner in which Abbiusi was removed from the country, especially as she had the freedom to depart to neighboring countries like Togo or elsewhere.
The deportation of Shalimar Abbiusi has ignited a contentious debate, raising questions about due process and the protection of human rights in such cases.