In Ghana, authorities have neglected the rights of hundreds accused of witchcraft, prompting a dire need for protection and justice, as documented by Amnesty International. The report, titled “Branded for Life,” reveals the plight of over 500 predominantly older women currently residing in informal camps devoid of essential services—food, clean water, and medical care. This epidemic of accusations not only violates the right to life and security but also perpetuates human suffering rooted deeply in cultural traditions.
Accusations often arise from personal grievances within families or communities, particularly after misfortunes like illness or death. Vulnerable women, especially those defying traditional gender roles or living in poverty, frequently become targets. One woman expressed how she was labelled a witch after rejecting the local chief’s interest in marrying her daughter, demonstrating how personal vendettas often fuel these harmful claims.
The living conditions in the camps are barely adequate, with residents facing health challenges and lacking sufficient food and hygiene. Alimata, an elderly woman, lamented the leaking roofs and dependency on others for sustenance, highlighting the government’s failure to ensure safe living environments. Amnesty International’s Interim Director stated that authorities are legally obligated to support these individuals but have significantly failed.
Moreover, prevailing legislation does not adequately address witchcraft accusations, leaving victims exposed to recurrent abuse. Advocates stress the urgent need for specific laws to criminalise such practices and protect victims. Genevieve Partington of Amnesty International Ghana stresses that legislation alone isn’t enough; rather, a holistic approach addressing cultural roots and stereotypes is imperative to reshape societal perceptions.
The report is the product of extensive research, including interviews with 93 accused individuals and advocacy efforts aimed at fostering legal reform. Recommendations were made for a national awareness campaign to dismantle discriminatory practices against women and the elderly, proposing a comprehensive response to the issue.
In Ghana, over 500 people, mostly older women, accused of witchcraft are living in inadequate camps, suffering from human rights violations amid cultural stigmas. Amnesty International’s report highlights dire living conditions, government neglect, and a lack of legal protections. Advocates call for criminalising witchcraft accusations and comprehensive social change to protect vulnerable populations.
The situation for those accused of witchcraft in Ghana remains critical, as systemic failures leave these vulnerable individuals in precarious living conditions. The necessity for legal reform to criminalise witchcraft accusations and address social prejudices is palpable. Moreover, a multi-faceted approach that includes education and economic support is essential to prevent ongoing violations of human rights and provide reparations for victims.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
