Shallie Abbiusi sues Ghana at ECOWAS Court for $1m in damages

Shallie Abbiusi, a citizen of Belgium, has filed a lawsuit against the Republic of Ghana in the ECOWAS Court of Justice, seeking $1 million in damages. Abbiusi alleges that her human rights were violated during her time in Ghana, particularly focusing on her detention and treatment by Ghanaian authorities.

In the legal documents submitted to the court, Abbiusi claims that Ghana breached international conventions and agreements by infringing upon her rights. The lawsuit highlights Abbiusi’s entitlement to internationally recognized human rights, as outlined in various documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The case revolves around violations of Abbiusi’s rights to liberty, security, fair hearing, administrative justice, equality before the law, freedom from discrimination, and freedom of movement. Abbiusi argues that these rights, protected by international agreements and Ghana’s constitution, were disregarded during her stay in the country.

The lawsuit details Abbiusi’s arrest by Ghanaian authorities after being summoned for questioning about her residency permit. Abbiusi asserts that she was unlawfully detained without proper legal procedures, denied access to legal counsel, and faced threats of deportation.

Despite her efforts to defend her rights through legal actions, including filing motions and requesting documents, Abbiusi claims that Ghanaian authorities ignored her rights and eventually deported her to Belgium, disregarding the ongoing legal proceedings in Ghana.

The lawsuit emphasizes Ghana’s obligations under ECOWAS treaties, international human rights instruments, and its own constitution to protect the rights of all individuals within its borders. It argues that Ghana’s actions not only violated Abbiusi’s rights but also undermined principles of justice and fairness.