The Office of the President has clarified that President Nana Akufo-Addo has not rejected the Criminal Offences (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2023, aimed at criminalizing witch doctors and practices related to identifying witches.
This clarification follows dissatisfaction expressed by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, regarding the President’s purported silence on the bill.
However, the President’s Office contends that the bill was only presented to him on Monday, November 27, 2023, the same day the Speaker raised concerns.
Sponsored by MP Francis Xavier Sosu, the private member’s bill seeks to prevent assaults on alleged witches and prohibit the activities of witch doctors or witch-finders.
The statement emphasizes the President’s commitment to his constitutional responsibilities, assuring that he will thoroughly evaluate the bill before making a decision.
Contrary to assertions by the Speaker of Parliament and the Minority Caucus, the statement asserts that President Akufo-Addo has not ignored the bill.
It questions how the Speaker could accuse the President of remaining silent when the bill was officially presented to him on the same day as the accusation, November 27, 2023. The statement further notes that the bill, along with the Wildlife Resources Management Bill, 2023, and the National Petroleum Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was presented to the President with a letter dated November 27, 2023, under reference PS/CS/112/826.
The statement refutes the claim that the bill has been neglected on the President’s desk, asserting that it has received the due attention.
