The spokesperson of the New Force Movement, Ms Shalimar Abbiusi, a Belgian national, has been granted bail amounting to GH¢20,000 by the Kaneshie district court. The bail conditions also require her to report to the police three times a week.
Ms. Abbiusi was taken into custody by the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) during an inquiry into the formation of The New Force Movement. The Bureau had invited her for discussions on Monday, December 4, 2023, and she has been held since then.
The charges against Ms. Abbiusi include obtaining a student permit in Ghana through false declarations. These charges were presented in court on Monday, leading to her release on bail.
Dozens of supporters of The New Force Movement gathered outside the Kaneshie District Court to express solidarity with Ms Abbiusi. Wearing the movement’s colours, they held placards and chanted slogans in support of their spokesperson.
Ms. Abbiusi had previously been remanded into lawful custody on Friday, December 8, after the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) first arraigned her. The court granted the prosecution additional time to conclude investigations, and she was scheduled to reappear on Monday, December 11, 2023.
During the court proceedings, Mr. Jamal Tonzua, representing Ms. Abbiusi, argued that the GIS was prematurely bringing the case to court, suggesting a potential violation of his client’s constitutional right to a fair trial. He contended that the GIS should have completed their investigations before pursuing legal action.
The defence counsel emphasized that Ms. Abbiusi was not a flight risk, as her passport was in the possession of the GIS, allowing them to monitor her movements. Mr. Tonzua further stated that the accused had credible individuals willing to stand as sureties.
The unfolding events have heightened attention on The New Force Movement, with both supporters and critics closely monitoring the emergence of the political party into Ghana’s political scene.