Ghana Gender Ministry: Progress Made on Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill

• The Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill is progressing through Ghana's legislative process.
• Proposed amendments to the Criminal Offences Act aim to strengthen protections against witchcraft accusations.
• Amnesty International Ghana is supporting advocacy for the bill's passage, highlighting its commitment to advancing gender equality and social protection in Ghana.

The Minister welcomed Amnesty International Ghana's continued partnership and reiterated the Ministry's commitment to protecting vulnerable persons through stronger legal and policy measures.

The Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill is making progress in Ghana, as the Gender Ministry engages with Amnesty International Ghana to strengthen protections for vulnerable persons. The meeting between the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, and a delegation from Amnesty International Ghana led by Director Hannah Osei focused on the bill's progress and measures to protect those affected by witchcraft accusations. Ms Osei commended the Ministry's efforts in advancing gender equality and social protection, reaffirming Amnesty International Ghana's commitment to supporting advocacy for the passage of the Bill.

The Minister welcomed Amnesty International Ghana's continued partnership and reiterated the Ministry's commitment to protecting vulnerable persons through stronger legal and policy measures. The two sides also discussed opportunities for collaboration to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons affected by witchcraft accusations.

The proposed amendments to the Criminal Offences Act are currently under consideration by the Attorney General's Department. Reintroducing the legislation as a government-sponsored Bill could help address some of the challenges that prevented its earlier passage. The update on the bill's progress was disclosed during the meeting, highlighting the ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana's legal and policy framework for protecting vulnerable persons and addressing harmful practices associated with accusations of witchcraft.

The engagement between the Gender Ministry and Amnesty International Ghana forms part of these efforts, demonstrating a commitment to advancing gender equality and social protection in Ghana. The proposed amendments aim to provide stronger protections for vulnerable individuals, aligning with Amnesty International Ghana's support for advocacy on the bill's passage.

The potential passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill could have significant implications for vulnerable persons in Ghana. Strengthened protections against witchcraft accusations would provide a precedent for addressing similar issues, potentially setting a positive example for other countries to follow. The bill's progress also underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies and international organizations in advancing human rights and social protection.

Lawyers and compliance officers should pay attention to the bill's development, as its passage could have far-reaching consequences for individuals and communities affected by witchcraft accusations.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill, which could strengthen protections for vulnerable persons in Ghana and provide a precedent for addressing similar issues.

Source: Original reporting via Myjoyonline.com