Ghana Faces Alarming Witchcraft Accusations Threatening Lives

Accra - In a distressing situation echoing the darkest chapters of history, hundreds of individuals in Ghana are currently facing accusations of witchcraft, exposing them to severe human rights violations. Amnesty International has raised alarms about the escalating threats, particularly towards elderly women who are increasingly vulnerable to intimidation, physical assaults, and even death.

The belief in witchcraft is deeply entrenched in many regions of Ghana, especially in rural areas, where certain individuals, often older women, are believed to possess supernatural powers capable of causing harm. These accusations frequently arise following tragic events such as illness or death, leading to a cycle of violence against those targeted.

Individuals accused of witchcraft are often ostracized from their communities. Many seek refuge in witch camps, which are traditionally managed by local priests. These camps, characterized by poverty and neglect, serve as a last resort for those who have been accused, forcing them to endure harsh conditions until they can find acceptance in another community.

Amnesty International has pointed out that the accusations disproportionately affect older, impoverished women, particularly those who are ill or disabled, as well as individuals who do not conform to conventional gender roles. The organization criticized the Ghanaian government for failing to take adequate measures to protect these vulnerable populations.

The situation has been exacerbated by several violent incidents, including murders linked to witchcraft accusations. A particularly shocking case involved the brutal murder of a 90-year-old woman named Akua Denteh in 2020, who was bludgeoned to death by an angry mob. Denteh was blamed for the slow development of her village and other unexplained occurrences. The horrific act was captured on video and rapidly circulated on social media, prompting widespread outrage. Years later, in a court ruling, five of the seven accused were acquitted, while the two main perpetrators received prison sentences of 12 years each.

In response to the rising violence, Ghana passed legislation aimed at criminalizing accusations of witchcraft. However, this law has yet to be officially enacted, leaving many individuals without legal protection against the rampant violence.

Amnesty International continues to advocate for the Ghanaian government to take stronger action against witchcraft accusations and ritual violence, emphasizing the need for comprehensive legal frameworks to safeguard the rights and lives of those unjustly accused. The organization calls for increased awareness and education to dismantle the myths surrounding witchcraft and protect vulnerable communities from these unfounded allegations.