Ghana’s persistent issue of witchcraft accusations has once again come under global scrutiny, with Amnesty International urging the government to immediately pass the long-delayed Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill to safeguard hundreds of victims—many of whom face lynching, imprisonment, or forced displacement due to baseless claims. The human rights organization has highlighted the systemic failure to protect marginalized individuals, particularly older women, disabled persons, and those living in poverty, who remain at the mercy of superstitious violence with little recourse under current laws.
A Tragic Case: The Lynching of Akua Denteh
One of the most devastating and well-documented incidents occurred on July 23, 2020, when 90-year-old Akua Denteh was brutally murdered in her home village of Kafaba, in Ghana’s Savannah Region. According to eyewitness accounts and video footage, a mob of villagers—including two women—beated her to death after accusing her of witchcraft. The perpetrators were later convicted of manslaughter in 2023 and sentenced to 12 years in prison, a rare legal outcome that underscores the lack of consistent justice for such crimes.
[A still image from the 2020 lynching of Akua Denteh, showing the aftermath of the violent attack in her home village.]
Amnesty International’s regional director for West and Central Africa, Osai Ocra, condemned the delay in enacting protective legislation, stating:
“Akua’s case is not an isolated tragedy—it is part of a persistent pattern where women, often the most vulnerable in society, are targeted, persecuted, and killed under the guise of witchcraft. The government must stop dragging its feet and finalize this bill before more lives are lost.”
The Vulnerable Targets: Who Is at Risk?
Witchcraft accusations in Ghana rarely occur in isolation—they are often triggered by misfortune, such as illness, crop failures, or unexpected deaths. In many cases, older women, widows, and those with disabilities become scapegoats due to deep-rooted gender biases and economic hardships. Additionally, women who challenge traditional gender norms—such as those who refuse arranged marriages or seek education—are particularly susceptible to false accusations.
A 2022 report by local human rights groups, cited by Amnesty, revealed that over 500 women in northern Ghana alone have been forced to flee their homes since 2018 due to witchcraft allegations. Many of these survivors live in hiding, fearing retaliation from their own communities.
The Legal Stumbling Block: Why the Bill Has Not Been Enacted
In July 2023, Ghana’s parliament passed the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill, a landmark proposal aimed at:
– Criminalizing witchcraft accusations as a form of harassment, defamation, or even aggravated assault.
– Establishing protective measures, including safe houses and psychological support for victims.
– Creating a legal pathway for survivors to seek compensation and justice.
However, the bill never received presidential assent from former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who rejected it on constitutional grounds, arguing that it was introduced as a private member’s bill rather than a government-backed initiative. Since then, no new legislation has been reintroduced, leaving victims without legal protection.
Amnesty International has strongly criticized this inaction, arguing that the delay directly endangers lives. The organization has also called for a government-led revision of the bill to ensure it aligns with international human rights standards, particularly those outlined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Beyond Criminalization: Addressing the Root Causes
While legislation is a critical first step, Amnesty International emphasizes that witchcraft accusations are not merely a legal issue—they are deeply embedded in cultural and socioeconomic factors. The organization has urged Ghanaian authorities to adopt a multi-pronged approach, including:
– Community sensitization programs to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote gender equality.
– Economic empowerment initiatives to reduce poverty-related vulnerabilities among women.
– Strengthening law enforcement to prevent mob justice and ensure fair trials for those accused of witchcraft-related crimes.
“Criminalizing accusations alone will not erase centuries of superstition,” Ocra explained. “We need systemic change—education, economic reform, and stronger legal safeguards—to ensure that no woman is ever again persecuted for being a perceived ‘witch.’**
A Call to Action: What Can Be Done Now?
With no new bill in sight, Amnesty International has launched a petition urging Ghanaian leaders to prioritize this legislation and hold accountable those who perpetuate witchcraft-related violence. The organization has also called on international bodies, including the African Union and the United Nations, to monitor Ghana’s progress on this critical human rights issue.
As the Savannah Region and other northern communities continue to report new cases, the urgency for legislative action grows. Without stronger legal protections, the cycle of fear, violence, and impunity will persist, leaving Ghana’s most vulnerable at the mercy of superstition.
“The time for words is over,” Ocra concluded. “The time for action is now.”
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