By Godwill Arthur-Mensah,GNA
Accra, June 26, GNA – The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, says the the government is considering adopting the Anti-Witchcraft Bill to criminalise the accusation of the act.
The Private Member’s Bill is being sponsored by Francis-Xavier Sosu, a human rights lawyer and Member of Parliament for Madina.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, Mr Ibrahim said the bill seeks to criminalise witchcraft accusations in Ghana, which remains its primary objective.
He explained that the Ministry is mobilising support from traditional leaders and community stakeholders to address the phenomenon, while reviewing existing witchcraft-related laws within the sub-region to align Ghana’s legal framework with international human rights standards.
It is expected that engagement with stakeholders would harmonise legislation and ensure stronger protection and reintegration of victims.
The Minister noted that despite calls from civil society organisations(CSOs) to expedite the passage of the bill, witchcraft accusations persisted in Ghanaian communities.
“Until this Bill is enacted, Ghana lacks a comprehensive national law specifically criminalising witchcraft accusations,” he stated.
He emphasised the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration and the role of traditional leaders in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
The Ministry, he said, would engage traditional authorities to incorporate their perspectives into the bill, and promote community-based interventions.
“By rallying the voices of traditional authorities, legislative reforms will be grounded in cultural legitimacy and community acceptance, while protecting the dignity and rights of all citizens,” Mr Ibrahim added.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Godwill Arthur-Mensah
[email protected]