Ghana’s Parliament Marks World Day Against Witch Hunts, Urges Action to Protect Vulnerable Communities
The Committee on Human Rights of the Parliament of Ghana has joined the global community in marking the World Day Against Witch Hunts, calling for urgent action to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly women, from witchcraft accusations and related violence.
In a statement signed by Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, Chairman of the Committee on Human Rights, the Parliamentary Committee commended individuals, non-profit organizations, and governments working tirelessly to end witch hunts in Ghana and beyond. The Committee emphasized the need for the Government of Ghana to prioritize the passage 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 vulnerable persons.
The Bill, if passed, would provide a critical framework for addressing the scourge of witch hunts, which often result in violence, displacement, and human rights abuses against accused individuals, particularly elderly women. The Committee’s call for action is timely, given the persistence of witchcraft accusations and related violence in Ghana, despite efforts to combat the phenomenon.
The Committee on Human Rights has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of victims of witch hunts, who are often subjected to torture, cruel treatment, and other forms of degrading treatment. The phenomenon violates several provisions of the 1992 Constitution, including Articles 12, 13, 14, 15, 17(2), and 21(2), as well as international laws and treaties such as the Convention against Torture and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
To further underscore its commitment, the Committee plans to undertake a monitoring visit to all witch camps in Ghana in the coming weeks. The visit aims to assess the conditions of victims and provide support to those affected by witchcraft accusations.
The Committee’s statement serves as a reminder of the need for collective action to address the scourge of witch hunts and protect vulnerable communities. By working together, stakeholders can help create a society that values and respects the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of age, gender, or social status.
As Ghana continues to grapple with the challenges posed by witchcraft accusations, the Committee on Human Rights’ call to action is a timely reminder of the need for urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities and uphold the rule of law. The passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill would be a significant step towards addressing the phenomenon and ensuring that Ghana meets its international human rights obligations.
