CHRAJ ordered Akufo-Addo to sign anti-witchcraft bill

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has advised President Akufo-Addo to do all he can and resolve any legal matters with the Anti-Witchcraft Bill and sign it into law.

On July 28, 2023, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which amends the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) to ban the practices of witch doctors and witch finders, and to prohibit the declaration, accusation, or labeling of individuals as witches.

The Private Member’s Bill was sponsored by Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu (NDC MP for Madina) along with other NDC MPs: Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso, and Madam Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah.

But President Akufo-Addo is yet to assent to bill into law.

“As you are aware, the Commission is a Constitutional Body established by the Commission on Human Rights Administrative Justice Act, 1993 (Act 456) pursuant to Article 216 of the Constitution, 1992, to promote and protect fundamental human rights of all persons in Ghana, ensure administrative justice and fight corruption,” the Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Whittal indicated in a letter to the President.

The Commission is further mandated specifically under article 218(f) and Section 7(1 )(g) of the 1992 Constitution and Act 456 respectively “to educate the public as to human rights and freedoms by such means as Commissioner may decide including publications, lectures and symposia.”

“In the light of the foregoing, the Commission respectfully urges His Excellency the President of the Republic to take urgent steps including any legislative steps that will resolve any constitutional concerns raised by H.E the President in order to assent to the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill, 2023 (Anti-Witchcraft Bill) to further enhance the protection of this vulnerable group and the consolidation of Ghana’s human rights record”, the Commissioner advised.

CHRAJ emphasizes that the culture of witchcraft accusations and the associated witch camps severely tarnishes Ghana’s international image.

“It undermines national efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.

According to CHRAJ, “In an era committed to constitutional democracy and the protection of fundamental human rights, the rights of elderly women accused of witchcraft must be a high priority for the State. Urgent steps must be taken to safeguard their human rights and dignity”.