CHRAJ Urges President Nana Addo to Approve Anti-Witchcraft Bill.

The Commission has stated that once the Bill is signed into law, it will directly address the issues of witchcraft allegations and attacks in the country. In a letter to the President, Joseph Whittal, Commissioner for CHRAJ, cited Article 216 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights in Ghana, ensuring administrative justice, and fighting corruption.

Further, under Article 218(f) and Section 7(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution and Act 456, the Commission is specifically mandated to educate the public about human rights and freedoms through various means, including publications, lectures, and symposia.

Whittal emphasized that witchcraft allegations and attacks continue in some areas because there is no specific law to penalize those involved. Therefore, he urged the President to take immediate action, including any necessary legislative steps to address constitutional concerns, to sign the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill, 2023 (Anti-Witchcraft Bill), thereby enhancing the protection of vulnerable groups and strengthening Ghana’s human rights record.

Anti-Witchcraft Bill

• On July 28, 2023, Parliament passed the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
• The Bill aims to criminalize the practice of declaring, accusing, naming, or labeling people as witches, with such accusations resulting in prison sentences.
• There are at least six witch camps in Ghana, housing approximately 1,000 women, located in Bonyasi, Gambaga, Gnani, Kpatinga, Kukuo, and Naabuli in northern Ghana.
• Some of these camps have been in existence for over 100 years.
• The Private Member’s Bill was sponsored by Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, NDC MP for Madina, along with Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, NDC MP for Pusiga; Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, NDC MP for Wa East; Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso, NDC MP for Krachi West; and Madam Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah, NDC MP for Afram Plains North.
• Witch camps are settlements where women accused of witchcraft are kept for safety, often due to mental health problems.
• In July 2020, a 90-year-old woman, Akua Denteh, was lynched in Kafaba, Savana region, following witchcraft allegations, an incident that shocked the nation and prompted efforts to prevent such occurrences.
• Two women found guilty of her death have since been sentenced to 12 years in jail.