She has been granted bail to the tune of GH¢20,000 and is required to report to the police three times a week. This comes after a video of her parents shedding tears last week, calling for her release and accusing the government of kidnapping her.
The Belgian residing in Ghana was arrested on Monday, December 4, for allegedly using a forged document to secure a resident permit. She was taken into custody during an investigation into her immigration status within the country. The Immigration Service became aware of her activities on social media, particularly her role as the spokesperson for 'The New Force.'
The arrest transpired following an invitation from the Head of the National Enforcement Section at the Immigration Headquarters, who sought to address concerns regarding Abbiusi's immigration status. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Abbiusi first arrived in Ghana on September 4, 2017, through the Kotoka International Airport and had been a frequent visitor until 2018 when she claimed residency as a student at the Ghana Christian University College. However, a thorough check by the college revealed that Abbiusi had never been enrolled as a student, and the documents she presented to support her application for a residence permit were determined to be forged.
Currently, Abbiusi is facing charges related to immigration offences and has been presented before the court for remand into Immigration custody. Her arrest has left social media buzzing with discussions. Some Ghanaians suspect foul play, speculating that the state might be employing tactics to silence the emerging political force before it gains momentum.
Recently, 'The New Force' group released a video outlining its preparations to reveal its plan for the upcoming election. The video highlighted the challenges faced by Ghanaians under the Akufo-Addo administration, using recent demonstrations to question the leadership's responsiveness to citizens' concerns.
The social media-driven political movement, known for its 'The Man in a Mask' campaign, announced that it would soon disclose the face behind the mask and articulate its objectives and goals. In a statement shared on social media, 'The New Force' expressed appreciation for the growing enthusiasm surrounding #TheNewForce and the public's desire to be part of a new vision for change. The movement acknowledged the positive feedback received and hinted at the imminent unveiling of the mask along with carefully thought-out policy objectives and goals. The statement clarified that, despite speculations, no policies had been disclosed, and the identity of the Man in the Mask remained undisclosed.
Meanwhile, there are widespread speculations that Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar, the founder and CEO of Wonda World Estates and Petronia City Development Company Limited, is allegedly the force behind 'The New Force.' A post by Bright Simons, a vice president of IMANI Africa, supported these speculations, identifying Cheddar as the bankroller of 'The New Force' Movement. Simons's post on November 28, 2023, pointed to Cheddar's association with tamed, neutered tigers and referenced a BBC story about his defiance of a court order to remove these pet tigers from his home.