Parliament's Human Rights Committee Engages Religious Leaders To End Witchcraft Accusations

The Committee on Human Rights of Parliament of Ghana has held a 2-day stakeholder engagement with religious leaders as part of efforts to end witchcraft accusations in Ghana.

The engagement involved leaders from the Office of the National Chief Imam and the Christian Council of Ghana.

In a statement dated 22nd October 2026 and signed by its Chairman, Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, MP for Kumawu, the Committee said 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.

The Committee said considering the passage of the Social Protection Act, 2005 (Act 1148), and as Ghana takes steps to ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Older Persons, the time is ripe to take decisive measures to end witchcraft accusations, which often causes significant adverse changes in the quality of life of accused persons and may lead to their death.

The Committee also expressed appreciation to Songtaba Ghana for the partnership and support, as well as the Office of the National Chief Imam and Christian Council of Ghana for agreeing to the following commitments:

i. Support efforts to strengthen the protection of human rights of persons affected or at risk of harm as a result of witchcraft accusations, in accordance with the Constitution of Ghana, human rights principles and applicable laws;

ii. Support the legislative process towards the passage of an appropriate law to prevent and address harmful practices and human rights abuses associated with witchcraft accusations, including through constructive engagement with Parliament, Government, civil society and other relevant stakeholders;

iii. Use the influence and networks of Christian and Muslim religious leadership to promote public awareness, dialogue and education on the harmful consequences of witchcraft accusations and to encourage peaceful, non-violent and rights-respecting responses to beliefs and allegations relating to witchcraft;

iv. Encourage pastors, imams, scholars, clerics, and faith leaders to promote messages that uphold human dignity, reject violence and discrimination, and discourage the stigmatisation, persecution or abuse of persons based on allegations and suspicion of witchcraft;

v. Promote collaboration and dialogue among religious leaders, traditional authorities, Parliament, Government institutions, civil society organisations, human rights actors and affected communities to address the underlying social, cultural and structural factors that perpetuate harmful practices associated with witchcraft accusations;