Private Members Bill to proscribe witchcraft accusations gazetted
The Private Members Bill initiated by five Members of Parliament has been gazetted.
The MPs are; Francis-Xavier Sosu, Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, and Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah, Members of Parliament for Madina, Pusiga, Wa East, Krachi West and Afram Plains North Constituencies respectively.
The object of the Bill is to amend the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) to prohibit the practice by any person as a witch doctor or a witch finder; proscribe the declaration, accusation, naming or labelling of another person as a witch; and for related matters.
Over the years in Ghana, accusing someone of being a witch is slanderous and actionable. However, the professional practice by so called witch doctors or witch finders and the declaration, accusation or labelling of someone as a witch are not criminal offences currently.
A declaration, accusation or labelling of a person as a witch can be a death sentence in some communities or at the least, result in the person being ostracised from the community.
It will be recalled that on the 27th of July 2020, Ghanaians woke up to the disturbing news that a ninety-year-old woman, Madam Akua Denteh, had been declared a witch in the community where she lived.
As a result of the declaration, she was subjected to whipping and beating and actually died from the inhuman treatment.
The treatment meted out to Madam Akua Denteh in 21st century Ghana was brutal, unacceptable and cannot be allowed to pass without specific legislation to prohibit the practice and situations which give rise to such treatments.
The Bill is, therefore, expected to address the unfortunate beliefs and thinking in some communities that make Madam Akua Denteh’s case possible.
The Bill which was gazetted on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, matured on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, is expected to be introduced at the next meeting of Parliament.
Source: Ghana News
