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.
In a statement CHRAJ says the Commission is 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. CHRAJ emphasizes that the culture of witchcraft accusations and the associated witch camps severely tarnishes Ghana’s international image.
The commission further stated that 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.
