A shocking new report from Amnesty International Ghana, “Branded for Life,” reveals the ongoing human rights
catastrophe faced by hundreds of women in Northern Ghana, falsely accused of witchcraft and forced to live in squalid, neglected camps.
The report, launched today in Accra, details how older women, widows, and those challenging traditional norms are particularly vulnerable to accusations. These accusations, often stemming from jealousy, land disputes, or tragic events, lead to banishment and a life devoid of basic necessities.
Key Findings:
Systematic Abuse: Women in camps like Patinga, Nyani, Gambaga, and Kukuo are denied healthcare, food, safe housing, and clean water. In Kukuo, women endure hours-long treks and strenuous pumping simply to access water.
Government Inaction: Amnesty International condemns the Ghanaian government’s failure to protect these women, citing a lack of investigations and prosecutions for witchcraft-related violence.
Social Ostracization: Even upon returning home, women face severe stigma and exclusion, a cycle of abuse that can span generations.
Amnesty International’s Urgent Demands:
Criminalize Accusations: Pass legislation immediately to criminalize witchcraft accusations and related attacks.
Enact Pending Bill:The Ghanaian Parliament must urgently pass the bill reintroduced by MP Francis Xavia Sosu, providing crucial support services for victims, including mental health care and compensation.
Government Roadmap: The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection must implement a comprehensive plan for public education and the safe reintegration of these women into their communities.
“The situation is dire,” stated Genevieve Partington, Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana. “The government must act now to end this injustice. These women deserve protection, support, and the chance to rebuild their lives.”
Michèle Eken, Senior Researcher at Amnesty International, added, “We must listen to these women and ensure their diverse needs are met, whether they choose to return to their communities, relocate, or remain in the camps. The camps must become a bridge to a better future.”
Panel Discussion
The report launch featured a panel discussion with key stakeholders, including ³:
– *Samadu Sayibu, Programme Officer, Songtaba*: Highlighted the plight of women in these camps and the need for government intervention.
– *Belinda Adike Asamanyuah, Amnesty International Ghana*: Discussed the findings of the report and the importance of protecting women’s rights.
– *Michele Eken, Amnesty International Western and Central Africa Office*: Emphasized the need for legislation to criminalize witchcraft accusations.
– *Alia Mumuni, Action Aid Ghana*: Stressed the importance of community sensitization and support for victims.
– *Hon Francis Xavia Sosu, Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency*: Called for government action to address the issue.
Background
Belief in witchcraft remains prevalent in many rural communities in Ghana. Accused individuals are often banished from their homes and seek refuge in camps. In 2023, the Ghanaian parliament passed a bill making it a criminal offense to accuse someone of witchcraft, but it has yet to be signed into law.
In Northern and North East Ghana, belief in witchcraft remains strong, often leading to tragic accusations. illness, death, jealousy, or even dreams can spark blame, with those most at risk – including older women, widows without adult sons, unmarried women, those living in poverty or with disabilities – being frequent targets.
Once accused, women are expelled from their communities and forced to seek safety in four camps: Kpatinga, Gnani, Gambaga, and Kukuo. These camps have existed for over a century without walls, yet everyone knows their invisible boundaries.
Life in these camps is difficult. Accused women live in poor conditions, isolated from their families, lacking adequate food, clean water, housing, and healthcare. Fear, stigma, and cultural barriers prevent them from seeking justice. Hundreds of women today Live in exile, branded for life by false accusations, yet their voices rise in defiance: “| am not a witch.”
By Kingsley Asiedu
