CHRAJ Urges Akufo-Addo to Address Legal Hurdles and Approve Anti-Witchcraft Bill.
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The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) is urging President Akufo-Addo to address any legal concerns regarding the Anti-Witchcraft Bill and sign it into law.
This appeal is highlighted in CHRAJ’s advisory opinion on the Criminal Offences Bill, 2023 (Anti-Witchcraft Bill), signed by the Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Whittal.
“In light of the foregoing, the Commission respectfully urges His Excellency the President of the Republic to take urgent steps, including any legislative measures, that will resolve any constitutional concerns raised by H.E. the President in order to assent to the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill, 2023 (Anti-Witchcraft Bill). This will further enhance the protection of this vulnerable group and consolidate Ghana’s human rights record,” stated Dr. Whittal.
CHRAJ stresses that the culture of witchcraft accusations and the associated witch camps severely damage Ghana’s international reputation. The advisory report notes that this issue has plagued the nation for decades, significantly impacting the rights of Ghanaian women. “It undermines national efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.
“In an era committed to constitutional democracy and the protection of fundamental human rights, the rights of elderly women accused of witchcraft must be a high priority for the State. Urgent steps must be taken to safeguard their human rights and dignity,” CHRAJ asserted.
On July 28, 2023, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, amending the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) to ban the practices of witch doctors and witch finders and to prohibit the declaration, accusation, or labeling of individuals as witches.
The Private Member’s Bill was sponsored by Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu (NDC MP for Madina) along with other NDC MPs: Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso, and Madam Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah.
However, President Akufo-Addo has indicated he will not sign private members’ bills into law if they impose a charge on the Consolidated Fund. He emphasized that such proposals should come from the Executive branch. This includes the bill sponsored by Mr. Sosu to abolish the death penalty and proscribe witchcraft accusations.
