According to Amnesty International, hundreds of people in Ghana are threatening human rights violations because of the claim of witchcraft. Older women in particular are exposed to the risk of “intimidation, physical attacks or even death” in the West African country, the human rights organization explains Monday.
The organization asked the government to punish the accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks.
Amnesty International criticized Ghana enough to protect victims. The organization emphasized the need for a reconnaissance campaign in affected regions. In 2023, the Ghanaian parliament decided to accuse someone of witchcraft. Until now, however, the law has not been signed.
Older, sick or disabled women more often affected
The claim of witchcraft often starts in the family or within a community after a tragic incident such as a disease or death, as Amnesty International explained. “Older women who live in poverty and are sick or disabled”, and women who “do not match the stereotypical gender image” should be accused of a higher risk of witchcraft.
The belief in witchcraft remains widespread in many rural communities along the African west coast, also in Ghana. People who are subject to the accusation of witchcraft are usually banned from their home. In Ghana, those who are affected are often looking for flights in Kampen, run by traditional priests. According to the Amnesty report, they stay there until their death or to another community.
Source: Krone
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