- Sosu Reintroduces Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill in Parliament
- Madina MP Gains Support for Anti-Witchcraft Bill to Protect
- Parliament Passes Witchcraft Accusation Ban
Ahead of International Women’s Day, Francis-Xavier Sosu, the Member of Parliament for Madina, has once again introduced the Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill in Parliament. The bill seeks to criminalise accusations of witchcraft and safeguard elderly women from potential abuse.
Initially approved by Parliament in July 2023, the bill was not signed into law by then-President Nana Akufo-Addo, who raised concerns regarding its constitutionality. Despite receiving strong public support, including appeals from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for its enactment, the bill remained unresolved after the dissolution of the 8th Parliament.
Determined to see the bill passed, Sosu has now secured the support of nine other MPs in the 9th Parliament. These include 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 remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring legal protection for vulnerable elderly women, underscoring that the bill aligns with Ghana’s constitution and international human rights standards.
On July 28, 2023, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which amended the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29). The amendment outlaws the practices of witch doctors and witch finders and forbids the labelling or accusing of individuals as witches.
This Private Member’s Bill was sponsored by Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu (NDC MP for Madina) along with other NDC MPs, including Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso, and Madam Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah.
However, President Akufo-Addo had previously indicated that he would not sign private members’ bills into law if they imposed a charge on the Consolidated Fund, asserting that such proposals should originate from the executive branch of government. This includes the bill Sosu sponsored to abolish the death penalty and prohibit witchcraft accusations.
