Amnesty International is calling on the Ghanaian authorities to pass a bill to combat accusations of witchcraft

The human rights organization Amnesty International has issued a strong call on the Ghanaian authorities to expedite the passage of a law aimed at protecting citizens from unfounded accusations of witchcraft. According to Vatican News, hundreds of people in the country, predominantly elderly women, continue to face persecution and violence due to such prejudices.

Human rights advocates cite as a key example a tragic incident from 2020, when 90-year-old Akua Denteh was brutally killed by a mob in the village of Kafaba after being accused of witchcraft. This incident has become a symbol of systematic human rights violations, including the right to life, personal safety, and freedom from discrimination. According to the organization, many victims are forced to flee their homes for fear of reprisals.

It is worth noting that in July 2023, the Ghanaian parliament had already passed the “Bill to Combat Accusations of Witchcraft,” which provided for the criminalization of such accusations and the creation of a support system for victims. However, former President Nana Akufo-Addo refused to sign the bill, citing constitutional concerns. Since then, the legislative initiative has not been reintroduced in Parliament.

Amnesty International emphasizes that passing the law is only the first step. A comprehensive approach is needed to eradicate the practice of blaming socially vulnerable people for the illnesses or deaths of loved ones. Human rights advocates are calling on the government to move beyond one-off awareness-raising measures and adopt a systematic approach to combating deeply entrenched societal stereotypes.