The decision to criminalize witchcraft accusation comes after the tragic lynching of 90-year-old Akua Denteh in Kafaba, Savannah Region, on July 23, 2020, following accusations of witchcraft.
In a landmark move to protect vulnerable individuals from human rights violations, Ghana's Parliament has passed the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, criminalizing the practice of witchcraft accusation. The bill aims to put an end to the declaration, naming, or labelling of another person as a witch, as well as the practice of witchcraft by witch doctors or witch finders.
During the debate preceding the bill's passage, all members of Parliament unanimously supported the criminalization of all witchcraft activities and accusations, as well as the abolition of witchcraft camps across the country. The objective is to deter witchcraft accusations and the attendant human rights abuses, while providing a legal framework for law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders.
The bill was introduced by Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, along with co-sponsors MP for Pusiga, Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba; MP for Wa East, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw; MP for Krachi, Helen Adjoa Ntoso; and MP for Afram Plains North, Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah.
The decision to criminalize witchcraft accusation comes after the tragic lynching of 90-year-old Akua Denteh in Kafaba, Savannah Region, on July 23, 2020, following accusations of witchcraft. The incident sparked a public outcry and led to the official petitioning of Parliament by The Sanneh Institute on August 4, 2020, urging the passage of legislation to address the practice.
The bill aims to deter individuals from accusing or harming others with allegations of witchcraft. It also addresses the prevalence of witch camps in Ghana, where vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly women, have been living in uninhabitable conditions.
According to the report of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana both emphasize the respect for human dignity, equality, and rights of all persons. Witchcraft accusations violate these principles and have been recorded as part of Ghana's human rights shortfalls in the 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
By criminalizing the practice of witchcraft accusation, Ghana takes a significant step towards upholding human rights and protecting its citizens from harmful and degrading treatment. The bill's passage signifies a commitment to eradicating harmful practices and promoting a society that respects the dignity and worth of all individuals.
Source: Tellusghana || Ewura Ama
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