The Committee on Human Rights of the Parliament of Ghana has called on the government to take urgent steps to ensure the passage of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2025, also known as the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill.
The call was made in a statement issued to mark the World Day Against Witch Hunt on February 10, as the committee joined the global community in condemning witchcraft accusations and related abuses.
In the statement, the committee commended individuals, non-profit organisations and governments worldwide for their continued efforts to end witchcraft accusations and witch hunts in Ghana and beyond.
It expressed optimism that, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the government would prioritise the passage of the bill during the life of the 9th Parliament to protect the rights of vulnerable persons, particularly elderly women.
“The Committee on Human Rights remains optimistic that the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, shall in this 9th Parliament take urgent steps to ensure the passage/enactment of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2025, also known as the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill, to guarantee the protection and preservation of the rights of all such vulnerable persons, particularly those of vulnerable elderly women in Ghana,” the statement said.
The committee reiterated its support and commitment to victims of witch hunts, describing the practice as a violation of several provisions of the 1992 Constitution, including Articles 12, 13, 14, 15, 17(2) and 21(2).
It also cited breaches of international laws and treaties such as the Convention against Torture and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The statement further announced that the Committee on Human Rights will, in the coming weeks, embark on a monitoring visit to all witch camps in Ghana as part of efforts to uphold the rights and dignity of affected persons.
The statement was signed by the Chairman of the Committee on Human Rights, Ernest Yaw Anim.
