Parliamentary Committee, Amnesty Ghana Visit Witches’ Camps; Push for Passage of Anti-Witchcraft Bill

Parliamentary Committee, Amnesty Ghana Visit Witches’ Camps; Push for Passage of Anti-Witchcraft Bill

Source:www.dailyeatchgh.com

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 Northern Ghana. The visit forms part of efforts to highlight human rights concerns and accelerate the passage of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2025 popularly known as the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill.

Led by its Chairman, Hon. Anim Yaw Ernest, the Committee first paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Gambaga, Alhaji Tahiru Tia, before proceeding to the Gambaga Witches’ Camp, one of the most well-known settlements where women accused of witchcraft seek refuge.

Currently, the Church of Pentecost plays a key role in supporting camp residents, helping them engage in productive ventures to generate income. While some women expressed gratitude for the relative safety the camp offers, others lamented their inability to care for their families due to confinement. In response, the Gambaga Chief has allocated land to some of the accused women to enable them to relocate and live with their families.

However, living conditions within the camp remain dire shelters are weak and unsafe, and basic amenities are lacking.

Addressing residents, Hon. Anim Yaw Ernest assured them of the Committee’s unwavering commitment to work with civil society, traditional leaders, and government toward their reintegration into society. He stressed that Parliament will do all it can to ensure swift passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Bill, which seeks to criminalize witchcraft accusations and protect vulnerable individuals from abuse and stigma.

As part of their visit, the Committee also made a donation of a television set and cash to the camp.