By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Jan 27, GNA – Tia Ibrahim, the Minister-Designate for Ghana’s Northeast Region, Monday shared a fascinating perspective on the Gambaga Witches Camp, a sanctuary for individuals allegedly accused of witchcraft.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting in Parliament House, Accra, Mr Ibrahim delved into the camp’s rich history, origins, and its dual role as a refuge and a hub of controversy.
Established as a safe haven, the Gambaga Witches Camp protects alleged accused individuals from harm or death, offering an alternative to violent repercussions.
Mr Ibrahim noted that in the past, accusations of witchcraft often led to brutal killings, and the camp became a beacon of hope for those ostracised by their communities.
“Mr Chairman, the history of the Gambaga witches camp is very interesting. Initially, they used to kill alleged witches, and the then Imam condemned the killings and proposed that they are sent to the traditional priest who had the powers to neutralise the witchery, and that was when they stopped the killings,” he told the Committee.
Mr Ibrahim explained that the camp served as a home for alleged accused witches, and if they were proven not to be witches, they were allowed to return to their communities. However, if they were deemed to be witches, they remained at the camp, where the traditional priest used spiritual powers to neutralise their supposed witchcraft.
The Gambaga Witches Camp has been a subject of interest, with various studies exploring its cultural significance and the lives of its inmates.
As Ghana continues to navigate issues surrounding witchcraft and accusations, Mr Ibrahim’s insights shed light on the complex history and dynamics surrounding the camp.
GNA