Ahead of International Women’s Day, the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has reintroduced the Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill, aimed at de-criminalizing witchcraft and protecting vulnerable elderly women.
The bill was passed by Parliament in July 2023 but was never signed into law by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who cited constitutional concerns.
Despite widespread support, including a call from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) urging its passage, the bill lapsed with the dissolution of the 8th Parliament. Determined to see the bill become law, Sosu has rallied nine other MPs to push it through the 9th Parliament.
They 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 insists he will not rest until the bill is passed, ensuring elderly women’s dignity and protection under Ghana’s constitution and international human rights treaties.
