The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting women and other vulnerable people affected by witchcraft accusations.
Dr Lartey made the commitment during a meeting with the Executive Director of the Sanneh Institute, Rev Prof John Azumah, and members of his delegation to discuss concerns over witchcraft accusations and the continued marginalisation of women accused of practising witchcraft.
The meeting focused on efforts to end the practice, improve the lives of women forced from their communities because of such accusations and advance the passage of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to criminalise witchcraft accusations and related practices.
Rev Prof Azumah told the minister that the Sanneh Institute had undertaken extensive research and worked with traditional leaders and communities to address the issue.
He stressed the need for renewed efforts to secure the passage and presidential assent of the Bill, saying the institute and its partners remained committed to advocacy and public education on the dangers and consequences of witchcraft accusations.
He also raised concerns about the continued existence of settlements commonly known as “witch camps”, where many women accused of witchcraft have ended up after being forced to leave their homes.
The plight of these women, many of whom have been separated from their families and communities, remains a major concern for advocates seeking an end to the practice.
Dr Lartey said protecting the rights, dignity and wellbeing of women affected by witchcraft accusations must remain a priority.
She acknowledged that tackling the practice would require sustained cooperation between government, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, traditional authorities and other stakeholders.
The minister said addressing the problem also required confronting the social and cultural factors that allow witchcraft accusations to persist in some communities.
She emphasised that the responsibility for protecting women affected by such accusations could not rest with government alone.
Instead, she called for continued engagement and collaboration among stakeholders to address the causes of witchcraft accusations and reduce the harm they cause to individuals, families and communities.
The discussions form part of wider efforts to strengthen the protection of vulnerable people and advance legal and social measures aimed at ending practices that undermine their rights and dignity.
