MoGCSP strengthens stakeholder engagement on witchcraft accusations

Ghana's Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has met with the Sanneh Institute's Executive Director, Rev. Prof. John Azumah, to address concerns surrounding witchcraft accusations and the protection of vulnerable women. The engagement centered on ongoing advocacy efforts to end these accusations, improve conditions for affected women, and push for the passage of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill. This bill aims to criminalize witchcraft accusations and related practices.

Rev. Prof. Azumah highlighted the Institute's extensive research and engagement with traditional leaders and communities. He stressed the need for renewed efforts to ensure the bill's passage and assent, reaffirming the Institute's commitment to supporting advocacy and public education on the issue. He also raised concerns about the continued existence of "witch camps" and the suffering of women displaced from their communities due to such accusations.

Minister Lartey reaffirmed the Ministry's dedication to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of vulnerable women and others affected by harmful traditional practices. She acknowledged the critical importance of collaboration with civil society organizations, faith-based groups, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders to tackle the root causes of witchcraft accusations. The Minister emphasized that protecting women accused of witchcraft is a shared responsibility requiring sustained engagement between the government and stakeholders to combat the practice and its devastating consequences.

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The protection of women affected by witchcraft accusations must remain a shared responsibility, requiring sustained engagement among government and stakeholders to address the practice and its devastating consequences.