The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs is considering the adoption of an anti-witchcraft accusation bill aimed at ending the persistent practice of accusing individuals of witchcraft and protecting victims from violence, discrimination and social exclusion.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, disclosed this in Parliament, explaining that the proposed legislation was introduced as a Private Member’s Bill by the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu.
According to the minister, the bill seeks to criminalise witchcraft accusations, protect victims and impose sanctions on perpetrators. However, he noted that the legislation is yet to be passed into law.
“Collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection remains essential to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure comprehensive protection mechanisms, including shelters for victims of witchcraft accusations, domestic violence, child trafficking and child marriage,” he said.
Review of Existing Laws
Addressing Parliament, Mr Ibrahim said his ministry intends to review two existing laws on witchcraft enacted within the sub-region as part of efforts to align Ghana’s legal framework with international human rights standards.
“Mr Speaker, let us rise together as Parliament, chiefs, faith-based leaders and civil society to end the scourge of witchcraft accusations. Let Ghana be known not for exclusion and fear but for dignity, compassion and justice for all,” he urged.
Government’s Response
The minister was responding to a question from the Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Ernest Yaw Anim, who sought to know what measures the ministry was taking to mobilise chiefs and community stakeholders to address witchcraft accusations.
Mr Ibrahim described the phenomenon as a serious social challenge that continues to expose vulnerable groups—particularly women, children and the elderly—to stigma, violence and exclusion.
He said such accusations undermine the dignity of citizens and threaten peace and social cohesion within communities.
The minister recalled that in September 2025, Parliament’s Human Rights Committee assured stakeholders that the bill would be reintroduced for consideration, passage and presidential assent.
He added that the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), together with several civil society organisations, has also urged Parliament to expedite the passage of the legislation in response to increasing incidents of violence linked to witchcraft accusations.
According to Mr Ibrahim, Ghana currently lacks a comprehensive national law specifically criminalising witchcraft accusations, leaving many victims without adequate legal protection, particularly in rural communities.
Engaging Traditional Leaders
The minister stressed that securing the support of traditional authorities would be essential to the successful implementation of the proposed law.
He noted that chiefs, queen mothers and other traditional leaders remain custodians of culture and wield significant influence within their communities.
“Their support is critical in reshaping attitudes, preventing harmful practices and promoting reconciliation. By rallying their voices, legislative reforms will be grounded in cultural legitimacy and community acceptance while protecting the dignity and rights of all citizens,” he said.
To achieve this, the ministry, in collaboration with other government institutions and development partners, plans to engage chiefs, religious leaders, legislators and community stakeholders through sustained dialogue on the harmful effects of witchcraft accusations.
Mr Ibrahim said the ministry would also incorporate the perspectives of traditional authorities into the proposed legislation and the ongoing review of sub-regional laws while strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to provide shelters and psychosocial support for victims.
In addition, community-based mechanisms involving chiefs and religious leaders will be promoted to prevent violence and protect vulnerable groups from domestic abuse and gender-based violence.
The minister expressed confidence that these interventions would encourage traditional councils and faith-based organisations to publicly condemn witchcraft accusations, reduce incidents of stigma and violence, harmonise Ghana’s legal framework with international human rights standards and strengthen the protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims into their communities.
