The Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights has concluded a three-day working visit to camps for persons accused of witchcraft in Ghana’s northern regions.
The delegation, accompanied by civil society organisations (CSOs), visited survivors and community leaders in Gambaga, Kukuo, and Gnani, with the aim of strengthening advocacy and expediting the passage of the long-awaited Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill.
During the second day of the visit, the Committee toured the Gnani Camp, where members held discussions with the camp leader, Alhassan.
He expressed deep concern over the struggles faced by residents, noting that “stigma, inadequate resources, lack of education and healthcare are the major challenges the Gnani camp faces.”
The camp, he said, serves as a refuge for men and women accused of witchcraft and banished from their communities.
The Committee later proceeded to Kukuo Camp, where they paid homage to the local chief before interacting with the residents.
The visit provided first-hand insights into the living conditions of alleged witches, many of whom have lived in the camps for decades under precarious circumstances.
These engagements are expected to influence parliamentary debates and shape future policy direction.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, assured both camps of the Committee’s determination to tackle the injustices suffered by victims.
“We will advocate against the injustice done to alleged witches and work to ensure that the Anti-Witchcraft Bill is passed,” he stated.
He also pledged that victims not yet enrolled on the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme would be registered soon to receive financial support.
On behalf of the Committee, Hon. Anim made cash donations to the camps, while expressing appreciation to partner organisations for their role in making the visit possible.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the rights of every individual in society,” he affirmed, adding that the Committee would sustain its collaboration with CSOs to advance human rights protections in the country.
