CHRAJ urges President Akufo-Addo to address the concerns with the Anti-Witchcraft Bill and approve it
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has urged President Akufo-Addo to swiftly review and approve the Anti-Witchcraft Bill.
The Anti-Witchcraft Bill, formally titled the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2023, recently passed by Parliament, aims to amend the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Acts 2,9). This bill seeks to criminalize the practices of witch doctors and witch-finding, as well as to prohibit the declaration, accusation, naming, or labeling of individuals as witches.
The Bill, proposed by MP Francis-Xavier Sosu of Madina and supported by other NDC MPs, was passed by Parliament on July 28, 2023. It is regarded as a significant measure for addressing the dangers associated with witch accusations. The Bill aims to protect victims by criminalizing the acts of declaring, accusing, naming, or labeling individuals as witches.
President Akufo-Addo has raised concerns about the potential financial impact on the country’s consolidated fund, which has led him to withhold his signature from the bill.
Nevertheless, in an advisory opinion delivered to the President on July 1, 2024, CHRAJ highlighted that the culture of witchcraft accusations and the related witch camps have damaged the country’s reputation. The Commission emphasized that the severe repercussions on the rights of Ghanaian women are indisputable.
CHRAJ added that it also undermines national efforts towards the realization of the SDGs particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.
CHRAJ stressed that in an era of constitutional democracy focused on safeguarding fundamental human rights and freedoms, the rights of elderly women accused of witchcraft—one of society’s most vulnerable groups—must be prioritized by the state. It urged that immediate action be taken to protect their human rights and dignity.
The Commission thus urged President Akufo-Addo to “take urgent actions, including legislative measures, to address any constitutional concerns he has raised, so that he may assent to the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023 (Anti-Witchcraft Bill). This will help better protect this vulnerable group and strengthen Ghana’s human rights record.”
