Amnesty International has sounded the alarm over the dire situation of hundreds of individuals, predominantly older women, facing witchcraft accusations in Ghana. These accusations often lead to severe human rights abuses, including murder, physical violence, and social ostracization. The victims, frequently marginalized and vulnerable, are forced to flee their communities and seek refuge in informal camps, where they struggle with inadequate access to basic necessities like food, safe housing, and healthcare.
The accusations typically arise from tragic events such as illnesses or deaths within families or communities, with claims sometimes based on mere dreams or superstitions. Women who are impoverished, suffer from health issues, or defy traditional gender roles are particularly at risk. In 2023, Ghana’s parliament passed a bill aimed at criminalizing witchcraft accusations, but it remains unsigned, leaving victims without legal recourse.
Amnesty International and other rights groups are urging the Ghanaian government to enact this legislation and implement protective measures for those accused. They also advocate for nationwide awareness campaigns to challenge cultural stereotypes and discrimination against women and older individuals. The situation in Ghana reflects broader issues across West Africa, where similar abuses have been reported in countries like Guinea-Bissau and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The case of Akua Denteh, a 90-year-old woman lynched in 2020, highlights the brutality of these accusations. Her daughter, Zeinab Mahama, recounted the horrific circumstances of her mother’s death, emphasizing the need for justice and protection for victims. As Ghana grapples with these systemic failures, international pressure mounts for President John Mahama to sign the Anti-Witchcraft Bill into law, ensuring that those accused of witchcraft receive the dignity and justice they deserve.
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Ghana’s Witchcraft Accusations: A Call for Urgent Protection and Reform
- by Abideen Adenekan
- April 14, 2025
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