President must assent Anti-Witchcraft Bill now// Amnesty Int.

Resolve legal issues and sign the Anti-Witchcraft Bill. Amnesty Int.

Amnesty international Ghana is urging President Akufo-Addo to take necessary steps to resolve any legal issues he has with the Anti-Witchcraft Bill and sign it into law.

“In light of the foregoing, the Amnesty international Ghana respectfully urges His Excellency the President of the Republic to take urgent steps, including any legislative measures, that will resolve any constitutional concerns raised by H.E. the President in order to assent to the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill, 2023 (Anti-Witchcraft Bill). This will further enhance the protection of this vulnerable group and consolidate Ghana’s human rights record,” stated Dr. Whittal.

According to the Country Director for Amnesty international Ghana, Madam Genevieve Partington emphasizes that the culture of witchcraft accusations and the associated witch camps severely tarnishes Ghana’s international image. This issue, the advisory report noted, has plagued the nation for decades, with severe consequences on the rights of Ghanaian women.

“It undermines national efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.

“In an era committed to constitutional democracy and the protection of fundamental human rights, the rights of elderly women accused of witchcraft must be a high priority for the State. Urgent steps must be taken to safeguard their human rights and dignity,” Amnesty international Ghana asserted.

Story by Fada Amakye from Daily sun