Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights visits witches camp, pushes for anti-witchcraft bill

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights, working with Amnesty Ghana, has begun a three-day visit to alleged witches’ camps in Northern Ghana to assess living conditions and push for the speedy passage of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2025, also known as the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill.

Led by Chairman Ernest Yaw Anim, the Committee first paid homage to the Chief of Gambaga, Alhaji Tahiru Tia, before touring the Gambaga Witches’ Camp.

The visit highlighted major human rights concerns, including unsafe shelters, lack of basic amenities, and the struggles of residents who are unable to care for their families due to confinement.

Currently, the Church of Pentecost supports the camp by helping alleged witches engage in productive work to earn income. While some residents say the camp offers them refuge, others lament being cut off from their families.

To ease the situation, the Chief of Gambaga has allocated land to some of the women so they can resettle with their families.

Addressing the residents, Ernest Yaw Anim, assured them of Parliament’s support, stressing that the Committee will work closely with civil society and government to reintegrate victims into society.

He pledged to champion the passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Bill to protect vulnerable people from harmful accusations.

The Committee donated a television set and cash to the camp as part of their visit.

By: Jacob Aggrey