Religious figures have been strongly advised to cease branding individuals as witches to ensure compliance with the revived Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill, according to the Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim.
Hon. Anim, who presides over the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and also serves on the Public Accounts Committee, stated that Christian ministers, Islamic clerics, and traditional priests must refrain from proclaiming that people possess witchcraft.
He shared these observations whilst speaking with Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s parliamentary correspondent, Boshyeba Afriyie following the submission of a formal query regarding the legislation to Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
“If spiritual leaders are prevented from calling others witches in their churches, mosques or shrines then we can have peace in the country and the new anti-witchcraft bill will ensure that as well,” Hon. Anim said.
The parliamentarian clarified that the proposed law aims to shield elderly men and women who frequently become targets of these hostile allegations.
He pointed out that Ghana’s Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill, formally known as the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was brought back to parliament after expiring during the prior legislative term.
This statutory measure specifically penalises the act of alleging, naming, or categorising anyone as a witch, whilst simultaneously outlawing the practice of witch-finding or operating as a witch doctor.
Hon. Anim underscored the devastating consequences these accusations inflict upon victims, reinforcing that the new framework would prove advantageous for both targeted individuals and the wider community.
He stressed the urgency of implementing this statute to suppress the behaviour and protect vulnerable members of society.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs is anticipated to address Hon. Anim’s enquiry on the parliamentary floor in due course.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
