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A Private Members' Bill seeking to criminalise witchcraft and protect women accused of witchcraft has been reintroduced in the 9th Parliament by ten Members of Parliament.
Championing the bill, the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, stated that if passed, the bill would protect and ensure the human rights of women, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, are safeguarded under the country’s laws.
According to the lawmaker, the re-introduction of the bill aligns with the observance of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025.
He emphasised the significance of the theme, which calls for taking decisive actions to ensure and implement gender equality in the country.
“Tomorrow, March 8, is International Women’s Day. This year's celebration is on the theme 'Accelerate Action'. This theme focuses on the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality,” he shared on his Facebook page on Friday, March 7, 2025.
The lawmaker and legal practitioner emphasised his commitment to protecting the rights of women and promoting gender equity in the country.
“In line with my avowed commitment to promote gender equity and greater protection of vulnerable women in Ghana, I have re-introduced the Anti-Witchcraft Bill in the 9th Parliament of the Republic of Ghana,” he added.
The bill also seeks to advocate for the prohibition of the practice of witch doctors, outlaw the naming and labeling of individuals as witches, and prevent individuals from soliciting others to name or label people as witches.
Sosu further expressed his confidence that the bill would be passed and subsequently assented to by the president, following its failure to receive assent from former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The nine other MPs who have joined the cause are Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi; Comfort Doyoe, MP for Ada; Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, MP for Wa East; Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, MP for Pusiga; Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, MP for Asante-Akim Central; Helen Adjoa Ntoso, MP for Krachi West; Abla Dzifa Gomashie, MP for Ketu South; Zuwera Ibrahimah, MP for Salaga South; and Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, MP for La-Dadekotopon.
This latest development follows the passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Bill by the 8th Parliament in July 2023, but which was not assented to by former President Akufo-Addo, who cited constitutional concerns.
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