The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRA) Joseph Whittal is urging President Akufo-Addo to sign the Criminal Offenses Amendment Bill which among others seeks to criminalize witchcraft accusations.
He emphasized that the delay in assenting to the Bill is causing more harm to persons perceived as witches.
“The main instrument that could have driven to the ground or force the practice to come to an end is the deterrent of the bill if it became law with punishment. But for the sake of the women, nine months is too long for him not to have put in place we what needs to be done.
Joseph Whittal made the call at a National Policy Dialogue organized by the Commission dubbed: Stop Witchcraft Allegations Now, No Woman should De Because She Was Perceived As A Witch.
On July 23, 2020, Akua Denteh was lynched over witchcraft accusations.
The Tamale High Court convicted Hajia Mohammed Serena and Latifa Bomaye to 12 years imprisonment over the murder of 90-year-old Akua Denteh at Kafaba in the Savannah Region.
Police arrested seven people including the chief of the Kafaba community, Seidu Yahaya.
Hajia Serena Mohammed and Latifa Bomaye were later arrested at their hideouts.
The two suspects, Hajia Serena Mohammed and Latifa Bomaye, were charged with attempted murder and murder.
However, the other accused persons, Haruna Aness, 34, Issifa Tanko, 35, Issifa Sachibu, 32, Shaibu Muntala, 29, and Sulemana Ali, 35, were acquitted after the Regional Attorney General’s Department legally counselled the police to do so.
Source: Kasapafmonline.com