Hon. Sosu and Nine MPs Renew Efforts to Pass Anti-Witchcraft Bill to Shield Vulnerable Women

Prior to International Women’s Day, the Member of Parliament for Madina, Hon. Francis-Xavier Sosu, reintroduced the Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill in Parliament, aiming to outlaw witchcraft allegations and protect defenseless elderly women from mistreatment and persecution.

The bill was initially approved by Parliament in July 2023 but was not enacted into law by then-President Nana Akufo-Addo, who cited constitutional objections. Despite overwhelming support, including advocacy from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the bill was left unresolved following the dissolution of the 8th Parliament.

Determined to see it come into effect, Hon. Sosu has rallied the support of nine other MPs in the 9th Parliament. The lawmakers championing the bill alongside him include Hon. Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (South Dayi), Hon. Comfort Doyoe (Ada), Hon. Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw (Wa East), Hon. Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba (Pusiga), Hon. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi (Asante-Akim Central), Hon. Helen Adjoa Ntoso (Krachi West), Hon. Dzifa Gomashie (Ketu South), Hon. Zuwera Ibrahimah (Salaga South), and Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (La-Dadekotopon).

Hon. Francis-Xavier Sosu remains unwavering in his determination to ensure the bill’s passage, emphasizing that it upholds Ghana’s constitutional mandates and international human rights conventions to safeguard the dignity and rights of elderly women.

In July 2023, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which revised the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) to prohibit the activities of witch doctors and witch finders, as well as the act of accusing or branding individuals as witches.

The Private Member’s Bill, originally introduced by Hon. Sosu and fellow MPs, including Hon. Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Hon. Helen Adjoa Ntoso, and Hon. Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah, was among the legislative proposals that former President Akufo-Addo declined to sign, citing financial implications on the Consolidated Fund. He maintained that such legislative measures should originate from the executive branch.

Despite these setbacks, Hon. Sosu and his colleagues remain resolute in their quest to secure legal protections for victims of witchcraft accusations, advocating for justice and the eradication of harmful cultural practices.

Also Read:

President Mahama Pledges Continuation of Phase II of Sea Defense Project in Volta Region