'Mere allegations shouldn't ruin lives' – Amnesty International on witchcraft accusations

The Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana, Genevieve Partington, has raised concerns about how women are easily branded as witches in the northern parts of the country.

Speaking exclusively to GhanaWeb, Partington shared some stories of victims living in witch camps.

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She stated that simple accusations from people who may dislike others, have a personal issue with them, or seek retaliation, can easily lead to someone being branded a witch.

“… So, what happens is that, it's a simple accusation most of the time by a neighbor or even a family member who, maybe, doesn't really like you. You've had so much success and out of jealousy, they could accuse you and you know, rumors are like fire - they spread so fast.

“Once you say this person is a witch and it goes through the community, the chief is obliged to call this woman that has been accused and ask her whether she has done these things. Most of the time, it's even a dream. Somebody will tell you that, ‘oh, they dreamt that you came and killed their child. And that is why their child is (sic)’,” she told GhanaWeb’s Etsey Atisu.

Genevieve Partington further explained that once rumors of witchcraft begin to spread, after the chiefs have summoned the accused persons, they are then sent to a witch camp.

She explained that the witch camps, which are seen as safe havens for such individuals, are meant to ensure their safety and protection from potential harm from the community.

“Unfortunately, that is how it goes in those communities and then the chief will call you and then they send you to these camps because the chief cannot guarantee your safety, even if he decides you stay in the village,” she added.

Partington also added that people accused of witchcraft become ostracized, preventing them from living a normal and free life due to threats of harm.

Highlighting the dangers associated with such accusations, she noted that the consequences can extend across generations, with a high likelihood that future relatives may also be accused simply because a family member was once branded a witch.

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“What happens now is you are ostracized. You can't go to any public functions; wedding ceremonies, because everybody has branded you as a witch. That is why our Amnesty International report is called Branded for Life because once someone proclaims that you are a witch, it’s something that is imprinted on your spirit and your body. Now, everybody knows you as such and it can even be passed from generation to generation. Once your grandmother or mother is accused, the likelihood of a daughter being accused is very high,” she concluded.

Watch the full interview below:

Will Ghana pass the Anti-Witchcraft Bill? Find out in the latest episode of The Lowdown on GhanaWeb TV in this conversation with Amnesty International:

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