Witchcraft is a belief system that attributes supernatural powers to individuals who are believed to possess magical abilities.
It is prevalent in various cultures around the world, including Ghana. In Ghanaian society, accusations of witchcraft have been a longstanding issue, with severe consequences for those accused.
Individuals perceived to be witches in Ghana often face discrimination, stigmatization, and violence. They are often ostracized from their communities, labeled as evil, and blamed for misfortunes or societal problems. Accusations of witchcraft can lead to physical attacks, banishment, or even death.
A tragic example of the consequences of witchcraft accusations occurred on July 28, 2020, in Kafaba, Ghana. A 90-year-old woman named Akua Denteh was brutally lynched in broad daylight by a mob, who accused her of being a witch. The incident was captured on video and circulated widely, sparking public outcry and shedding light on the issue of witchcraft accusations in Ghana. The incident highlighted the urgent need for action to protect individuals accused of witchcraft and prevent further human rights abuses.
In response to these concerns, Francis Xavier Sosu, a lawyer and Member of Parliament, proposed the Anti-Witchcraft Bill. The bill aims to protect individuals accused of witchcraft and criminalize the abuse or expulsion of such individuals from their communities. It seeks to provide comprehensive legal protections and support systems for victims of witchcraft accusations. The bill also includes provisions for rehabilitation and education to address the root causes of witchcraft accusations in Ghana.
However, President Akufo-Addo has expressed his inability to assent to the Witchcraft Bill into law due to certain constitutional concerns. In a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, the President argued that the bill, being a Private Members Bill sponsored by Francis Xavier Sosu, should have come from the Executive rather than from a Member of Parliament. The President raised specific constitutional concerns, particularly regarding the bill’s introduction to Parliament and its alignment with Article 108 of the constitution.
President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the importance of the bill’s contents and expressed his support for them. However, he emphasized the need to ensure that the bill is enacted in line with constitutional and legislative processes. The President assured that the government would soon present bills on the same subjects before Parliament, addressing the concerns raised and ensuring alignment with the provisions of the constitution.
The delay in the President’s assent to the Anti- Witchcraft Bill has drawn criticism and concern. The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Joseph Whittal, expressed his worry over the delay and urged President Akufo-Addo to quickly sign the bill into law. Whittal emphasized the significance of the bill in protecting the constitutional rights and integrity of individuals accused of witchcraft and preventing further human rights abuses.
There is therefore an urgent need for action to protect vulnerable individuals accused of witchcraft and prevent human rights abuses.
By Wisdom Sarfo