Sosu and 9 MPs Renew Push for Anti-Witchcraft Bill to Shield Elderly Women from Abuse
Lawmakers push to outlaw witchcraft allegations and protect elderly women from abuse after previous bill stalled
- Sosu revives the Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill ahead of International Women’s Day
- Parliament passed the bill in 2023, but it was not signed into law
- Nine MPs back the bill, aiming to secure justice for victims of witchcraft accusations
Ahead of International Women’s Day, Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu has revived efforts to pass the Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill in Parliament.
The bill seeks to criminalize witchcraft allegations and protect elderly women from abuse.
Despite Parliament’s initial approval in July 2023, the bill was left in limbo after then-President Nana Akufo-Addo declined to sign it into law. With the dissolution of the 8th Parliament, the legislation stalled, despite strong public support and advocacy from CHRAJ.
Determined to see it through, Sosu has secured backing from nine MPs in the 9th Parliament, including Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (South Dayi), Comfort Doyoe (Ada), Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw (Wa East), Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba (Pusiga), Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi (Asante-Akim Central), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (Krachi West), Dzifa Gomashie (Ketu South), Zuwera Ibrahimah (Salaga South), and Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (La-Dadekotopon).
Sosu insists the bill aligns with Ghana’s constitution and international human rights standards, underscoring the urgency of protecting vulnerable elderly women.
On July 28, 2023, Parliament passed the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which outlawed witch doctors, witch finders, and witchcraft accusations. Sosu, alongside other NDC MPs, initially sponsored the bill, but it never became law.
With this renewed push, lawmakers are determined to end the persecution of alleged witches and provide justice for victims of harmful accusations.
