Resolve issues and sign the Anti-Witchcraft Bill – CHRAJ urges Akufo-Addo

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to address his reservations regarding the Anti-Witchcraft Bill and grant it his assent.

In a recent advisory statement dated July 1, 2024, CHRAJ highlighted the negative impact of witchcraft accusations on Ghana’s international reputation.

“The culture of witchcraft accusation and its connected witch camps is a serious dent on Ghana’s image as a country. It has become an albatross around the neck of the country for decades. Its dire consequences on the rights of Ghanaian women are beyond debate.

“It also undermines national efforts towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.

“In an era of constitutional democracy hinged on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, the rights of one of the most vulnerable groups in society, elderly women accused of witchcraft must therefore be of high priority to the State, and urgent steps must be taken to safeguard their human rights and dignity," a statement from CHRAJ said.

The commission pointed out that these practices, including the existence of witch camps, have long marred the country’s image and severely affected the rights of elderly women, who are often the primary victims.

CHRAJ stressed that the bill is essential for advancing gender equality, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5.

CHRAJ asserted that in a democratic society committed to human rights, it is imperative for the state to act promptly.

The commission urged President Akufo-Addo to resolve any constitutional concerns related to the bill and sign it into law to enhance the protection of vulnerable groups and strengthen Ghana’s human rights record.

“In the light of the foregoing, the Commission respectfully urges His Excellency the President of the Republic to take urgent steps including any legislative steps 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) to further enhance the protection of this vulnerable group and the consolidation of Ghana’s human rights record,” the statement added.

Passed by Parliament on July 28, 2023, the bill seeks to amend the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 by criminalizing practices related to witch doctoring and witch finding. Additionally, it aims to outlaw the act of accusing, naming, or labeling individuals as witches.

Introduced by Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Madina, alongside other NDC MPs, the bill has been hailed as a crucial measure to address the dangers associated with witchcraft accusations.

The legislation is designed to protect victims and criminalize harmful practices linked to these accusations.

Despite its ratification, President Akufo-Addo has expressed concerns about potential financial implications for the country’s consolidated fund, leading to his reluctance to sign the bill into law.

AM/OGB

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