Amnesty International renews call for passage of Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill

Amnesty International has reiterated its call for the Ghanaian government to pass the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill, six years after the lynching of 90-year-old Akua Denteh in the Savannah Region. The organization states that the delay in passing the bill indicates a failure by authorities to protect victims of witchcraft accusations. Akua Denteh was beaten to death on July 23, 2020, after being accused of witchcraft; two women were later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 12 years. Amnesty International noted that many other women accused of witchcraft have been forced to flee their communities. Lamnatu Adam, Executive Director of Songtaba, a partner organization, explained that witchcraft accusations often arise from tragic events and disproportionately affect older women, particularly those living in poverty, with health conditions, disabilities, or who do not conform to traditional gender roles. Accused women often seek refuge in camps overseen by religious leaders, where conditions are poor, with inadequate access to healthcare, food, clean water, safe housing, and economic opportunities, as documented in Amnesty International's 2025 report, "Branded for Life." The organization emphasizes that while belief in witchcraft is protected, harmful practices stemming from such beliefs are not and must be addressed. Adam stated that these accusations and abuses violate fundamental human rights and should be criminalized. Parliament passed the bill in July 2023, but th