Tamale: The Human Rights Select Committee of Parliament has assured that efforts are underway to collaborate with Parliament and the government to reintroduce the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill, aiming for its passage and eventual assent into law. Mr. Ernest Yaw Anim, Chairperson of the Human Rights Select Committee, conveyed this assurance at a media and stakeholders briefing in Tamale, emphasizing that the proposed law would safeguard individuals accused of witchcraft and hold perpetrators accountable.
According to Ghana News Agency, the media and stakeholders' briefing marked the conclusion of a three-day tour by Members of the Committee to alleged witches' camps in the Northern and North East Regions. This tour was coordinated by the Coalition Against Witchcraft Accusations (CAWA), a consortium of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) committed to eradicating witchcraft accusations in the country. The delegation visited the Gnani and Kukuo camps in the Northern Region and the Gambaga camp in the North East Region.
CAWA comprises organizations such as Songtaba, ActionAid Ghana, Oxfam in Ghana, Amnesty International, and the Sanneh Institute. The Committee's visit served as a fact-finding mission, allowing direct engagement with the inmates and stakeholders to understand their challenges, which will inform the Committee's legislative efforts.
The Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill had previously been passed by the eighth Parliament as a private member's bill, but it did not receive presidential assent. Hence, there is renewed advocacy to ensure its passage by the current Parliament. Mr. Anim highlighted the harsh realities faced by women in these camps, underscoring the need for societal change.
The Committee intends to compile a report on its findings for the Speaker of Parliament and engage relevant ministries and stakeholders to formulate strategies for reintegrating the inmates back into their communities. Anim stressed the importance of community sensitization to uphold basic human rights and to eliminate witchcraft accusations and banishments.
During their visit, the Committee donated funds and resources to the camps, urging corporate bodies, religious groups, and traditional authorities to assist in protecting and reintegrating the women. Greater Accra Regional Minister Mrs. Linda Ocloo affirmed the government's commitment to restoring dignity and supporting reintegration efforts alongside various partners.
Hajia Lamnatu Adam, Executive Director of Songtaba, identified poverty, illiteracy, and widowhood as key factors fueling witchcraft accusations, advocating for public education strategies to address these issues. An Amnesty International representative called for the Bill's expedited consideration, emphasizing its role in criminalizing witchcraft accusations and protecting accused individuals.