Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-04-10 09:58:21
The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Mr Joseph Whittal, has urged the president to sign the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, into law. The bill, passed by Parliament in June 2023, aims to outlaw witchcraft accusations by prohibiting practices such as witchfinding and labeling individuals as witches. Despite being approved by Parliament, the bill is still awaiting the president’s assent.
Mr Whittal emphasized that the primary objective of the bill is to amend the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Acts 29) to prohibit the practices of witch doctors and witch finders and to prevent the false accusation and labeling of individuals as witches. By enacting this bill into law, it would help eradicate the harmful practice of witchcraft accusations in the country.
The Commissioner made this plea during the National Policy Dialogue on Access to Justice For Women Accused as Witches in Ghana, held in Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region. This event, organized by CHRAJ in collaboration with Crossroads International, brought together 25 stakeholders under the theme “Stop Witchcraft Allegations Now: No Woman Should Die Because She is Perceived a Witch.”
The dialogue aimed to address the regulatory policy environment for protecting the rights of women and children affected by witchcraft allegations. It is part of the Access to Justice Project, launched in May 2023, following the successful pilot phase in 2021.
In his address, Mr Whittal highlighted that certain cultural practices, including witchcraft accusations, violated fundamental human rights and needed to be abolished. He emphasized that the constitution allowed for the eradication of such harmful practices that infringed on individuals’ rights.
Mrs Ursula Amoah, a Principal Research Officer at the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General’s Department, emphasized that gender-based violence (GBV), especially against women accused of witchcraft, was a severe violation of human rights. She reiterated the ministry’s commitment to seeking justice for victims of GBV, citing the successful prosecution of those responsible for the death of Akua Denteh, a 90-year-old woman accused of witchcraft.
Mrs Gifty Volimkarime, the Country Manager of Crossroads International, pointed out the prevalence of abuse against older women accused of witchcraft in Ghana, labeling it as a silent yet significant form of GBV. She stressed the importance of addressing these harmful practices to protect the rights and well-being of women and vulnerable individuals in society.
Mrs Sabia Kpekata, the Deputy Director at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, outlined measures adopted by the ministry to combat harmful cultural practices, including engaging with traditional and religious leaders. The goal is to promote and protect the rights of women, girls, and vulnerable individuals and eliminate harmful practices prevalent in Ghanaian society.
In conclusion, the call for the president to assent to the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, underscores the urgency of addressing witchcraft accusations and protecting the rights of women and vulnerable individuals in Ghana. The collaborative efforts of organizations and government entities reflect a commitment to combatting harmful cultural practices and promoting social justice in the country.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
