Ghana Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill Delayed Again Despite Parliament Approval

• The Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill was passed by Parliament in July 2023 but did not receive presidential assent, meaning it has not become law, extending the delay in legal protection since Akua Denteh's lynching in 2020.
• Witchcraft accusations often originate within families or communities, and older women are more vulnerable to these accusations.
• The passage of the bill would be a significant step towards protecting victims and ensuring justice.

The continued delay in passing the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill has only exacerbated the problem, with many women accused of witchcraft being forced to flee their communities for fear of their lives.

The Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill, though passed by Parliament in July 2023, did not receive presidential assent and thus has not become law, extending the delay in legal protection for six years since the tragic lynching of Akua Denteh in 2020. This continued delay is a stark reminder of the authorities' failure to protect hundreds of victims of witchcraft accusations across Ghana. The bill's proposed measures to criminalise witchcraft accusations and provide protection and support for victims are long overdue. In fact, the continued delay has only exacerbated the problem, with many women accused of witchcraft being forced to flee their communities for fear of their lives.

Witchcraft accusations often originate within families or communities, usually following tragic events such as illness or death. Older women, particularly those living in poverty or with health conditions or disabilities, are more vulnerable to these accusations. Women who do not conform to traditional gender roles are also at risk. The consequences of these accusations can be devastating, with victims being forced to live in poor conditions in camps overseen by religious leaders.

The passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill would be a significant step towards protecting victims and ensuring justice. The bill seeks to criminalise witchcraft accusations, provide protection and support for victims, and create a legal framework for justice and compensation. This is essential in addressing the human rights violations that occur as a result of these accusations. Amnesty International has been calling on the government to pass the bill, and its passage would be a major victory for human rights in Ghana.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential updates on the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill, as its passage could have significant implications for human rights in Ghana, particularly for women accused of witchcraft.

Source: Original reporting via Amnesty International