Pass anti-witchcraft accusation law now- CAWA to parliament
The Coalition Against Witchcraft Accusation (CAWA) has called on Parliament to pass an anti-witchcraft accusation law immediately.
In a press statement released on Thursday, July 20, 2023, the coalition said the anti-witchcraft accusation bill had undergone initial processes and is ready for presentation in Parliament.
However, the coalition lamented delays, as injustice against innocent people accused of witchcraft occurs frequently.
CAWA is set to mark the third anniversary of the death of Madam Akua Denteh, who was lynched at Kafaba in the East Gonja Municipality in 2020.
The 90-year-old was murdered on suspicion of being a witch.
“This coming Sunday, July 23, marks exactly three years since Madam Akua Denteh was brutally lynched in Kafaba, near Salaga in the Savana Region. To mark the third anniversary of this tragic incident that severely marred Ghana’s reputation internationally, the Coalition Against Witchcraft Accusation (CAWA) would like to address the recent incidents related to witchcraft accusations and the conviction and sentencing of the two women directly involved in the tragic lynching of Akua Denteh”.
“These incidents highlight the urgent need for legislation and a coordinated response to combat the ongoing social menace of witchcraft accusations, which primarily targets older and vulnerable women.”
“These issues underscore the critical need for the anti-witchcraft accusation law. The bill has undergone initial processes and is currently ready for presentation in Parliament. However, it languishes in the files, awaiting to be laid before the house, read, voted upon, and passed into law. CAWA wants to know why the bill seems to be pushed aside”.
“How many more women victims does Parliament need to take action on the bill? We understand that passing the bill will not eradicate witchcraft accusations instantly, but it will pave the way for education and a change in attitudes and mindsets over time. Enacting this law will provide victims wasting their lives in the camps with confidence and the security they need to return to their homes,” a press statement from the group read.
CAWA has, therefore, called on Ghanaians to rise and demand that Parliament lays the anti-witchcraft accusation bill and passage into law.
The Coalition Against Witchcraft Accusation added that it would continue to advocate tirelessly to ensure the bill does not end up in the dustbin of forgotten bills.
“By passing the law, we will safeguard the lives and dignity of countless innocent individuals, promote social harmony, and demonstrate our commitment to justice and equality for all. Let us unite in this cause to bring an end to this deeply entrenched social menace,” CAWA added.
Find the full press statement below.