News
MoGCSP strengthens stakeholder engagement on witchcraft accusations
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey has engaged the Executive Director on Sanneh Institute, Rev. Prof. John Azumah and a member of his delegation on concerns surrounding witchcraft accusations and the protection of vulnerable women in Ghana.
The engagement focused on ongoing advocacy to end witchcraft accusations, improve the conditions of women affected by such accusations, and strengthen efforts towards the passage of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to criminalise witchcraft accusations and related practices.
The Executive Director highlighted the Institute’s extensive research and engagement with traditional leaders and communities, stressing the need for renewed efforts to secure the passage and assent of the Bill. He noted that the Institute, together with its partners remained committed to supporting advocacy and public education on the issue.
He also shared concerns about the continued existence of settlements commonly referred to as “witch camps” and plight of women who have been displaced from their communities following accusations of witchcraft.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and well-being of vulnerable women and other persons affected by harmful traditional practices. She acknowledged the importance of collaboration with civil society organisations, faith-based groups, traditional authorities and other stakeholders in addressing the root causes of witchcraft accusations.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey emphasised that the protection of women affected by witchcraft accusations must remain a shared responsibility, requiring sustained engagement among government and stakeholders to address the practice and its devastating consequences.
Management and staff of Owass FM have announced the passing of media personality, comedian and politician Seth Kwame Dzokoto following a medical emergency during a live morning show discussion at the station earlier today.
According to the station, Dzokoto was participating in a panel discussion on its morning show “Oman Nkoso” when he suddenly took ill and collapsed.
A statement from the station said its team immediately rushed him to the hospital for medical attention, but he was pronounced dead by the attending medical doctor upon arrival.
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident, which occurred in the course of our regular programming. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, colleagues, and all those who have been affected by his passing,” the statement said.
Management acknowledged that information about the incident is already circulating in the public domain, but appealed to the public and colleague media houses to respect the privacy of the bereaved family and refrain from circulating unverified information or speculation regarding the circumstances of his death.
Owass FM extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Seth Kwame Dzokoto.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The State through the Attorney General (AG) has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the suspension of the trial in the case of The Republic v Hanan Aludiba and Faiza Seidu.
On Monday, the Court of Appeal suspended the trial in the case. But the prosecution says it has filed an appeal against the suspension order.
According to the update, the law does not allow a criminal trial to be suspended simply because an accused person has complained about some of the charges on the charge sheet, particularly when those complaints were dismissed as meritless.
It argues that if the Court of Appeal’s decision is allowed to stand, no prosecution will ever be possible, since all it would take for a trial to be suspended is an accused person complaining about anything on the charge sheet.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
