In a recent development, Ms. Shalimar Abbiusi, the spokesperson for “The New Force,” is reported to have been apprehended by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB). The emergence of prominent billboards featuring “The New Force” has captured the attention of Ghanaians in recent weeks.
In a press statement by the group, Ms. Abbiusi was called in for a discussion on December 4, 2023, and has remained in custody since then. The group claims that security authorities have persistently interrogated Ms. Abbiusi, with a focus on unveiling the identities of those associated with “The New Force Movement.”
“As we have now found out, for the past 4 days, Ms Abbiusi has been kept continuously in custody by the officers of the National Investigations Bureau, formerly the BNI. During these 4 days, the security officials have continuously questioned Ms Abbiusi about the New Force; wanting to know which people are behind it and if the people want to run for President.”
“Further, over this period, she has been denied access to legal representation, subjected to an unlawful search of her premises, and held beyond the legal 48-hour limit without formal charges. Further, despite the objections of Ms Abbiusi’s lawyers, her apartment was broken into without a warrant and the place ransacked. Yet not a single element of incriminating evidence was found against her.”
They indicated that such actions by security operatives ‘undermine faith in our democracy as well as the independence and fairness of our political institutions’ and lashed out at the government for abusing the country’s laws.
“Ms Abbiusi’s arrest clearly marks an attempt by the Government to abuse our laws and its power in order to persecute political opponents. We deplore the attempts to use Ms Abbiusi’s immigration status to blackmail her. We consider that no person should be discriminated against on account of their political opinions or country of origin, as guaranteed by our Constitution. These actions are morally and legally wrong and undermine faith in our democracy as well as the independence and fairness of our political institutions.”
Read below the full statement by the group:
