Protestors Don New Force Colors to Oppose Arrest of Movement’s Spokesperson

In a display of solidarity, backers of the ‘New Force movement’ congregated outside the Kaneshie District Court to support Shalimar Abbusi, the movement’s spokesperson and a Belgian national.

Abbusi is currently facing charges of allegedly securing a Ghanaian student permit through false declarations, and her case has been brought before the Kaneshie district court.

Wearing the distinctive colors of the New Force movement, supporters rallied with placards and spirited chants to express their support for Abbusi and the movement’s objectives.

The New Force movement has vehemently labeled Abbusi’s arrest as politically motivated, accusing authorities of attempting to silence the movement and suppress dissenting voices.

Ms. Abbusi found herself in lawful custody after the court remanded her on Friday, December 8.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) initially arraigned her, prompting the court to grant the prosecution additional days to conclude investigations. She is scheduled to reappear in court on Monday, December 11, 2023.

Representing Abbusi, Jamal Tonzua argued that the GIS was potentially infringing on his client’s rights and emphasized her entitlement to a fair trial as per Ghana’s Constitution. Tonzua suggested that the GIS should have completed their investigations before bringing the case to court.

Despite these challenges, the court has granted bail to the accused, offering a glimmer of hope amid the legal proceedings.

New Force spokesperson Shalimar Abbiusi appears in court. #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/4EgmO50fee

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) December 11, 2023