The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has renewed its call on Parliament to urgently pass the long-awaited Anti-Witchcraft Bill.
The Commission warned that continued delays could result in more abuse and violence linked to witchcraft accusations, particularly in rural communities.
According to CHRAJ, the enactment of the bill would not only help save lives but also reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to upholding human rights, dignity, and justice.
Speaking at a forum on Wednesday, July 23, to mark the fifth anniversary of the brutal lynching of Akua Denteh in the Northern Region, CHRAJ Commissioner Joseph Whittal joined civil society organisations in pressing for swift legislative action.
“The bill is long overdue,” Mr. Whittal asserted.
“Why don’t you allow the bill to pass, and then anybody who thinks there is a basis for challenging it can take it to the Supreme Court? We now have another president who, interestingly, comes from the very region where most of these witchcraft accusations are reported.”
The renewed call follows a troubling incident in Anhwiesu, Central Region, on July 22, where an 11-year-old girl and three elderly women were accused of engaging in spiritual attacks.
The girl, a primary six pupil, was reportedly accused by a classmate claiming to possess supernatural powers. The classmate alleged that the girl had spiritually “tied” two pupils and conspired with the elderly women to harm a teacher.
A community-led exorcism followed, during which a fetish priest claimed he had “seen” the girl’s supposed spiritual actions.
The child was forced to undergo the ritual, while the elderly women, maintaining their innocence, refused to participate.
Source: myjoyonline.com
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