In Ghana, NGOs are reigniting the battle for a law against accusations of witchcraft.

The bill had been approved by Parliament under the previous government, but the former president refused to enact it. With the rise of John Dramani Mahama, who promised to sign the text, the process must resume, as Parliament has been renewed since then.

According to John Azumah, the executive now wants the measure to be presented as a government initiative rather than a parliamentary proposal. This direction involves determining which institution will carry the text and according to what timetable it will be submitted again to the deputies.

“The bill must be reviewed by Parliament again before the president can sign it,” explains the head of the Sanneth Institute. He intends to ask the minister in charge of the matter to clarify the responsibilities within the government and the modalities for civil society participation.

Women Still Marginalized in “Witch Camps”

Amnesty International claims that Ghana is the only country in the world where “witch camps” still exist. These villages host women accused of witchcraft, often after violence or threats in their community. Their presence in these humanitarian sites does not result from a judicial decision establishing their guilt.

For human rights advocacy organizations, the adoption of a law would strengthen prevention, punish unfounded accusations, and better protect victims. However, it alone would not suffice to end the beliefs and community practices that underpin these acts of violence.

The case of Akuah Dente remains one of the most striking examples of this situation. In 2020, this octogenarian was beaten to death after being labeled a witch. Her lynching rekindled the national debate on the protection of accused individuals and the responsibility of those who spread such accusations.

John Azumah believes that the future law would serve as an instrument for education, awareness-raising, and deterrence, while facilitating access to justice for victims. While awaiting the examination of the text, his organization continues its awareness-raising efforts with communities and authorities.