Sanneh Institute Commends Parliament, Sponsors over Gazette Anti-Witchcraft Bill

Sanneh Institute, a civil society organisation which strives for academic excellence as a tribute to God and in service to African society has commended Parliament and Sponsors of the Anti-witchcraft Bill for efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights of minority groups and vulnerable persons in Ghana.

This follows the initiation of Private Member’s Bill by Francis-Xavier Sosu, MP for Madina, Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, MP for Pusiga, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, MP for Wa East, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, MP for Krachi West, and Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah, MP for Afram Plains North Constituencies, to amend the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) to prohibit the practice by any person as a witch doctor or a witch finder; proscribe the declaration, accusation, naming or labelling of another person as a witch; and for related matters.

The Bill which was gazetted on Wednesday, December 7 2022, matured on Wednesday, December 21 2022, and is expected to be introduced at the next meeting of Parliament.

According to Sanneh Institute, “Gazette publication of the Bill shows the extent and commitment to which the general Ghanaian society is ready and willing to take adequate measures and actions to deal with the phenomenon of witchcraft accusations and related matters; as this will go a long way in the achievement of SDGs 10, 11 and 16, which reads Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and in the attainment of a more open, free, and inclusive society. We therefore wish to commend Parliament and Sponsors of the Bill for their empathy, diligence and commitment in addressing this age-old and untoward form of abuse, and urge Parliament to fastrack processes to ensure speedy passage of the Bill.”

It will be recalled that on the 27th of July 2020, this country woke up to the disturbing news that a ninety-year-old woman, Madam Akua Denteh, had been declared a witch in the community where she lived; had as a result of the declaration been subjected to whipping and beating and actually died from the inhuman treatment. The treatment meted out to Madam Akua Denteh in 21st century Ghana was brutal, unacceptable and cannot be allowed to pass without specific legislation to prohibit the practice and situations which give rise to such treatment. The Bill is therefore expected to address the unfortunate beliefs and thinking in some communities that make Madam Akua Denteh’s case possible.