The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) is preparing to engage the Mahama government to secure the passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Bill, which was passed by the 8th Parliament but not assented to by the previous administration.
The Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aims to amend the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, criminalizing witch doctoring, witch finding, and the public accusation of witchcraft. Introduced as a Private Member’s Bill by NDC MPs, including Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, the bill received parliamentary approval on July 28, 2023. However, former President Akufo-Addo withheld assent, citing potential financial implications for the consolidated fund.
Lambert Luguniah, National Representative of CHRAJ, expressed confidence in the Mahama government's receptiveness to the bill, noting positive preliminary engagements with key government officials. CHRAJ intends to formally engage the government upon its full constitution to ensure the bill is presented as a government bill, rather than a private member's bill, thereby potentially avoiding the obstacles encountered previously.
This strategic approach aims to facilitate smoother passage through Parliament. The initiative underscores CHRAJ's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from the harmful effects of witchcraft accusations.
0 Comments