Re: Ministry under fire for increase in witch camps

ActionAid Ghana's attention has been drawn to the stories with the headline: “Ministry under fire for increase in witch camps”. In the story under reference, it had been reported among others that ” …ActionAid Ghana says the increasing number of witch camps across the country is a failure on the part of the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs. “

ActionAid Ghana wishes to disassociate herself from this statement. In fact, there has not been any increase in 'witch camps' across the country. It is very important to state that there are only six 'witch camps' in the country and all these camps are located in the Northern region and NOT across the country.

ActionAid Ghana believes that the disbandment of the camps can only be attained through a concerted effort of all stakeholders and collaborators including the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs.

In her discussion on the Citi Breakfast show yesterday, Adwoa Kwateng Kluvitse, the Country Director of ActionAid Ghana referred to the demands made by the alleged witches in a communiqué issued at the close of the forum in November, 2012 saying a working group was set up. This group has been working with the alleged witches and the sending communities but is disappointed that much has not been done on the roadmap for the disbandment of the camps.

ActionAid Ghana wishes to state that the main object for the discussion on Citi Breakfast show yesterday was to announce that ActionAid and her partners will celebrate Mothers' Day, Sunday, May 13, 2012 with the alleged witches at the Kukuo camp, re-roofing their leaking huts and showing them that they have not been forgotten.

Issued by ActionAid Ghana on Tuesday, May 08, 2012

For further information contact: Washington Mawuli Nuworkpor, Communication & Public Relations Coordinator on 233-20-8170286 and Adwoa Kwateng Kluvitse, Country Director on 233-24-4317560