The Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights, in collaboration with Amnesty International Ghana, has embarked on a three-day fact-finding mission to alleged witches’ camps in the Northern Region.
The initiative aims to assess living conditions and address human rights concerns ahead of the passage of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2025, also known as the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill.
The delegation, led by the Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Gambaga, Alhaji Tahiru Tia, before visiting the Gambaga Witches’ Camp.
At the camp, the Committee observed that while the Presbyterian Church has introduced programs to help residents generate income, many women complained that restrictions on their movement prevent them from adequately caring for their families. In response, the Chief has allocated parcels of land to some residents so they can live with their families outside the camp.
The Committee also noted that many shelters are in dilapidated and unsafe conditions, with limited access to basic amenities. These findings, they said, underscore the urgent need for legislative reforms to protect vulnerable women from harmful accusations and practices.
Mr. Anim assured the residents that the Committee is committed to working with civil society and government stakeholders to support their reintegration into mainstream society. He reiterated that efforts would continue to expedite the passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Bill.
As part of the visit, the Committee presented the camp with a television set and a cash donation to assist the residents.
Source: Ernest Arhinful
READ ALSO:
