Parliament secures religious leaders’ support to end witchcraft accusations

Chairman of Parliament's Committee on Human Rights, Ernest Yaw Anim

Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights has secured commitments from Christian and Muslim religious leaders to help end witchcraft accusations and protect people subjected to stigma, violence and discrimination over such allegations.

The commitments followed a two-day stakeholder engagement with representatives of the Office of the National Chief Imam and the Christian Council of Ghana.

The Committee said religious leaders had an important role to play in either perpetuating or helping to curb witchcraft accusations through their actions and influence in communities.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, and signed by Kumawu MP and Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights, Ernest Yaw Anim, the Committee said the time had come for decisive measures to end the practice, which often severely affects the lives of accused persons and can lead to their deaths.

“The Committee believes Religious Leaders are critical Stakeholders whose actions and/or inactions play a critical role and have the ability to either enhance or mitigate the phenomenon of witchcraft accusations,” the statement read in part.

Under the commitments, the religious leaders agreed to use their influence and networks to educate the public on the harmful consequences of witchcraft accusations and encourage peaceful, non-violent responses to such beliefs and allegations.

They also pledged to encourage pastors, imams, scholars and other faith leaders to reject violence, discrimination and the stigmatisation of people accused of witchcraft.

The Committee further said the religious bodies had agreed to support efforts to strengthen human rights protections for affected persons and engage Parliament, government, civil society organisations and other stakeholders on legislation to address abuses associated with the practice.

Other commitments include promoting collaboration with traditional authorities and affected communities, supporting advocacy for effective legal protections, and encouraging access to psychosocial, legal and social support services for survivors and people at risk.

The Committee further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the passage of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which it said was intended to help protect the rights of older persons in Ghana.