MPs revive Anti-Witchcraft Bill in fresh push to criminalise accusations
A group of five Members of Parliament has renewed efforts to outlaw witchcraft accusations in Ghana by reintroducing a bill aimed at protecting victims and ending practices linked to alleged witch-hunting.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Criminal Offences Act to make it an offence to accuse, label or publicly identify someone as a witch. It would also ban the activities of individuals who claim to detect or expose witches, including self-styled witchfinders and witch doctors.
The bill’s return to Parliament follows the failure of a similar measure passed in 2023 to become law after former President Nana Akufo-Addo declined to grant assent, citing constitutional concerns about its introduction as a private member’s bill.
The legislation is being championed by Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Helen Adjoa Ntoso and Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah, who were also behind the original bill.
Its reintroduction comes amid increasing calls from human rights groups for stronger legal safeguards against witchcraft accusations, which often target elderly women and can lead to discrimination, violence and forced displacement.
In recent months, Amnesty International Ghana has urged the government to treat the bill as a priority, arguing that its passage would help address longstanding human rights abuses associated with witchcraft allegations.
If passed, the legislation would provide a legal framework to punish those who make such accusations while offering greater protection to individuals accused of witchcraft.
Source: myjoyonline.com
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