CHRAJ calls on government to expedite passage of ‘witchcraft’ bill

The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called on the government to speed up the passage of the anti-witchcraft bill.

According to Joseph Whittal, the witchcraft bill must be passed quickly due to the hardships women labelled as witches face, emphasising that they cannot endure the associated assault and stigma.

Speaking at the commemoration of International Human Rights Day 2023 organised by the CHRAJ on Monday, December 11, Mr Whittal acknowledged concerns raised by President Nana Akufo-Addo who had indicated that he has constitutional concerns, but has no problem with the content of the bill.

“Our problem as a Commission is [that], can the president speed up, whatever he will do to bring that bill to Parliament whether it is through the Attorney General, or however he intends to. The women cannot afford any further delay,” he said.

Parliament has passed a bill criminalising the declaration, accusation, naming or labelling of another person as a witch in Ghana.

Also read: Parliament passes law to criminalise accusations of witchcraft, practice of witchfinders and witch doctors

The amended bill which was approved on Thursday, July 27, 2023, also prohibits any person from practicing as a witch doctor or witchfinder. 

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Monday, November 27, 2023, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin accused President Akufo-Addo of neglecting the bill.

But in a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, the President argued that he was unable to sign into law some crucial bills passed by Parliament due to certain constitutional concerns.

Also read: I am unable to assent to Witchcraft, Armed Forces Bills – Akufo-Addo tells Parliament

The President argued that the bills sponsored by the NDC MP for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu ought to have come from the Executive and not as a Private Members Bill.

“During over conversation, I raised specific constitutional concerns regarding these bills relating to Article 108 of the constitution, particularly the nature of these bills which were introduced to Parliament as Private Members Bills rather than being presented by the Executive on my behalf.

“I appreciate the opportunity to engage with you in a meaningful dialogue about these critical legislative matters. I value your insights on the subject. As I indicated, the contents of these bills have my support but we need to ensure that they are enacted in line with constitutional and legislative processes thus after thorough consideration, and in light of the constitutional issues I pointed out during our meeting, I am unable to assent to these bills,” Speaker Alban Bagbin read on behalf of President Akufo-Addo.

Meanwhile, some NDC MPs have expressed their displeasure with President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to sign into law three bills passed by Parliament.

Also read: Akufo-Addo’s refusal to sign bills a deliberate effort to frustrate Parliament’s work – Xavier Sosu

Madina constituency MP, Francis Xavier Sosu, briefing the media in Parliament on Tuesday, December 5, emphasised that President Akufo-Addo is seeking to frustrate the work of Parliament after he refused to sign the bills.

According to him, President Akufo-Addo is opportunistically interpreting Article 108 of the constitution.

Also read: Akufo-Addo’s decision not to sign ‘Witchcraft’ bill unconstitutional; Parliament must sue him – Sam George

On his side, the NDC MP for Ningo Prampram constituency, Sam George has urged Parliament to take the matter to the Supreme Court to compel President Akufo-Addo to sign those bills.

He believes that allowing this precedent to persist might set a troubling example for future presidents.

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