The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) is gearing up to work closely with the Mahama-led government to ensure the successful passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Bill. Officially known as the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the legislation seeks to address the alarming issue of witchcraft accusations and related practices that have caused harm to many Ghanaians, particularly vulnerable women.
The Anti-Witchcraft Bill was passed by Parliament on July 28, 2023. It aims to amend the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29) by outlawing the practice of witch doctoring or witch finding. Additionally, it seeks to criminalize the act of declaring, accusing, naming, or labelling someone as a witch. This legislative effort was spearheaded as a Private Member’s Bill by Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Madina, alongside other NDC MPs.
The bill was seen as a vital step in tackling the injustices and dangers associated with witchcraft accusations, which have resulted in human rights abuses, physical harm, and even deaths across various communities. Despite its importance, the bill failed to secure the required presidential assent from former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The former president cited concerns about the financial implications of the bill on the country’s consolidated fund as his reason for not signing it into law. This decision stalled the legislation, leaving many stakeholders disappointed and frustrated.
CHRAJ, a key advocate for human rights and justice, has since been working to revive the bill. Lambert Luguniah, the National Representative of CHRAJ, recently expressed optimism about the prospects of the new government under President John Dramani Mahama. Speaking during an interview on the Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, Luguniah highlighted CHRAJ’s readiness to engage the current administration to secure the passage of the bill.
“Our expectation is to engage the new government… My boss, the commissioner, did intimate a few weeks ago that he had had a preliminary engagement with some of the key officers in the government, and their disposition is very favourable to the passage of the bill,” Luguniah revealed.
He emphasized that CHRAJ intends to take a strategic approach by repackaging the bill and presenting it in the name of the president rather than as a Private Member’s Bill. This move, he explained, is aimed at avoiding the challenges that hindered the previous attempt to pass the bill.
“So we will formally engage them when the government is fully constituted to make sure that the bill is repackaged even in the name of the president instead of its becoming a Private Member’s Bill such that it can be passed without any encumbrances like the first one,” Luguniah added.
The Anti-Witchcraft Bill holds significant social and cultural implications. Witchcraft accusations, particularly in rural communities, have often led to violence, ostracism, and severe violations of human rights. Women, the elderly, and children are frequently the victims of these accusations, making the passage of the bill a critical step in safeguarding vulnerable groups.
By criminalizing these practices, the bill aims to dismantle the structures that perpetuate fear and harm under the guise of cultural or traditional beliefs. It also seeks to reinforce Ghana’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all its citizens.
The collaboration between CHRAJ and the Mahama government is expected to provide a renewed push for the bill’s passage. The new administration’s willingness to engage on the issue reflects a broader commitment to addressing human rights concerns and ensuring justice for all Ghanaians.
CHRAJ’s decision to reintroduce the bill in the name of the president underscores the importance of executive support in advancing critical legislation. This approach is likely to expedite the process and minimize the obstacles that previously derailed the bill.
The anticipated passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Bill will serve as a significant milestone in Ghana’s legislative efforts to protect human rights and promote social justice. It also represents an important step toward dismantling harmful cultural practices that have persisted for generations.
As the government takes shape and prepares to tackle pressing national issues, the collaboration with CHRAJ on this matter signals a strong commitment to creating a more equitable and just society. The efforts to revive and pass the Anti-Witchcraft Bill reflect a shared determination to address the root causes of human rights violations and to provide legal protection for those at risk.
The Anti-Witchcraft Bill has the potential to transform the lives of countless individuals and communities across Ghana. By addressing the root causes of witchcraft accusations and promoting accountability, the legislation seeks to foster an environment of tolerance, understanding, and respect for human rights.
CHRAJ’s proactive approach to engaging the Mahama government demonstrates the agency’s dedication to its mandate of protecting and promoting human rights. Through strategic collaboration and advocacy, CHRAJ aims to ensure that the bill is not only passed but also effectively implemented to achieve its intended objectives.
The passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Bill will be a testament to Ghana’s commitment to progress and justice. It will serve as a reminder that cultural practices must evolve to align with the principles of human rights and dignity. As the legislative process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Mahama government and CHRAJ to deliver on their promise of a safer and more inclusive Ghana for all.
