In a significant step towards safeguarding human rights and promoting social justice, Parliament has recently passed the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2022, which focuses on prohibiting attacks on alleged witches.
The private member’s bill, sponsored by Francis-Xavier Sosu, the Member of Parliament for Madina, along with four other MPs, seeks to put an end to the dangerous and harmful practice of accusing individuals of witchcraft. The bill aims to prohibit anyone from acting as a witch doctor or witch finder and from making declarations, accusations, or labels of another person as a witch.
For too long, women, particularly in the Northern region of the country, have been subjected to violence, murder, and attacks based on unfounded allegations of witchcraft. The passage of this bill comes as a response to such tragic incidents, including the heart-wrenching lynching of 89-year-old Akua Denteh in Kafaba in 2020.
By criminalizing these harmful practices and actions, the bill strives to create a safer environment for all citizens, irrespective of their beliefs or cultural backgrounds. It sends a strong message that such attacks will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable under the law.
The passage of this bill represents a crucial milestone in the fight against witchcraft-related violence, and it signifies the nation’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable and marginalized members of society.
The bill’s proponents hope that its enactment will serve as a deterrent against future acts of violence and will contribute to a broader societal change in attitudes towards witchcraft-related beliefs. By promoting awareness and education, they aim to address the root causes of such violence and foster a culture of understanding and empathy.
With the passage of the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2022, Ghana takes a bold step towards building a more just and humane society. The protection of individuals from baseless accusations and violence is a fundamental right, and this legislation signifies a crucial advancement in ensuring that everyone can live without fear of persecution or harm due to accusations of witchcraft.
As this landmark bill becomes law, it is hoped that it will have a positive impact on communities across the country, ultimately leading to a more tolerant and harmonious society where all citizens can coexist peacefully, free from the threat of witchcraft-related violence.
