Amnesty International Ghana, Songtaba, ActionAid Ghana, Oxfam, and The Sanneh Institute), under the Coalition Against Witchcraft Accusations (CAWA), together with the Human Rights Standing Committee of Parliament, have renewed calls for urgent passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill following a three-day visit to the Gambaga, Kukuo, and Gnani camps in the Northern and North East Regions on 17th September and 18th September 2025.
The delegation engaged survivors mostly elderly women who shared harrowing stories of stigma, banishment, and years of suffering after being accused of witchcraft. These visits underscored the urgent need for legal protection and reintegration support.
The Bill, passed by Parliament in July 2023 but not assented to, would criminalise witchcraft accusations, ban witch-finding practices, and provide remedies for survivors. Yet, two years later, survivors remain unprotected while accusations persist nationwide.
We commend the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for expanding LEAP support but urge that all camp residents remain on Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) with swift transfers guaranteed to protect livelihoods.
We therefore appeal to:
- The Speaker of Parliament – to prioritise the Bill in the current session.
- The Attorney General – to address constitutional concerns and support its passage.
- The President – to assent to the Bill once passed, showing commitment to human rights.
- The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection – to strengthen protection and reintegration measures for survivors.
The tragic lynching of Madam Akua Denteh in 2020 remains a national scar. Ghana cannot afford further delay. The time to act is now pass and enforce the Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill to protect the dignity and rights of all Ghanaians.
About Amnesty International Ghana
Amnesty International Ghana is part of the global Amnesty International movement of over 10 million people campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. In Ghana, Amnesty works to protect the rights of the most vulnerable through advocacy, campaigns, research, and solidarity, with a strong focus on ending harmful practices such as witchcraft accusations, ensuring justice, and promoting equality.