Amnesty International: For too long, citizens, especially older women, have been victimized by witchcraft accusations in Ghana. This deeply rooted practice has led to untold suffering, discrimination, and violence. Act now to urge the President John Mahama to sign the Anti-Witchcraft Bill into law to protect these vulnerable individuals.
What’s the problem?
The tragic case of Akua Denteh, a 90-year-old woman from Kafaba in the Savannah Region, is just one of the heart-wrenching examples of the dire consequences of witchcraft accusations. On 23 July 2020, she was brutally beaten to death after being accused of witchcraft. Unfortunately, hundreds of people who have been accused of witchcraft have endured torture, been driven out of their communities to live in seclusion in camps.
These accusations are often driven by superstition, envy and old beliefs, leading to severe human rights violations and abuses. The victims, mostly older women, face brutal attacks, displacement, and social exclusion. Such acts are in stark contrast to the values of justice, human dignity, and equality that Ghana represents.
The need for legislative action
The Anti-Witchcraft Bill, which has been carefully developed through extensive consultations with various stakeholders, aims to address this grave and urgent issue. This bill seeks to:
- Make it illegal to accuse individuals of witchcraft, thus deterring such actions through stringent penalties.
- Establish protective measures and support systems for those who have been accused, including safe havens, psychological support, and reintegration programmes into society.
- Provide a clear legal pathway for victims to seek justice and compensation, thereby reinforcing the rule of law.
The bill was passed by Parliament in July 2023 but was never signed into law by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who cited constitutional concerns.
Now the bill has been reintroduced in March 2025 and once passed should be signed into law by the new President John Mahama.
