Ghana Activists Call for Legal Protections for Victims of Witchcraft Accusations

Six years after the killing of a 90-year-old woman accused of witchcraft in Ghana drew international condemnation, campaigners and civil society groups are renewing calls for the country to enact specific legislation protecting those targeted by such accusations. The case, which became emblematic of the dangers faced by elderly people in some Ghanaian communities, exposed the absence of a dedicated legal framework to address what rights organizations have described as a persistent form of abuse.

A longstanding pattern of violence

Accusations of witchcraft in Ghana have historically been directed at older women, particularly those who are widowed, without close family, or perceived as different in some way. In some communities, such accusations have led to violence, forced exile, the seizure of property, or in the most extreme cases, death. Human rights organizations have documented numerous incidents across the country, particularly in rural areas of the north, where traditional beliefs sometimes intersect with social tensions in ways that leave vulnerable individuals exposed.

Gaps in the legal system

Ghanaian law currently addresses assault, murder, and related offenses through its criminal code, but activists argue that there is no specific statute recognizing witchcraft accusations as a form of abuse or providing enhanced protections for those targeted. The absence of such legislation, campaigners say, has made it difficult to prosecute cases effectively and has failed to provide a clear deterrent. Advocacy groups have also pointed to the slow pace of investigations and prosecutions in cases involving witchcraft-related violence, noting that families and communities often face social pressure not to pursue justice.

Calls for reform

Civil society organizations have urged the Ghanaian government to consider laws that would explicitly criminalize the abuse of individuals on grounds of witchcraft accusations and establish support systems for victims, including shelters and counseling services. They have also called for public education campaigns aimed at dispelling harmful beliefs and reducing the stigma associated with being accused.

A broader regional concern

The situation in Ghana mirrors challenges faced in other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, where similar cases have been reported in countries including Tanzania, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. International bodies such as the United Nations have highlighted the issue, urging African governments to strengthen protections for older persons and to address the cultural and social factors that perpetuate such abuse.

As debates continue, the unresolved question of legal protection remains at the heart of efforts to prevent further tragedies. For the family of the 90-year-old woman whose death shocked the nation, and for many others who continue to live in fear of similar accusations, the demand for comprehensive legislation carries both personal and national significance.

Source: FRANCE 24 — read the original report.