The Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), Madam Lariba Zuweira Abudu, has revealed that a bill on witchcraft is being drafted in order to safeguard the human rights of the “alleged witches.”
The sector minister disclosed this when she paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of the Mamprugu Kingdom, Naa Sheriga Mahami Abdulai and the Chief of Gambaga – Gambarana Yahaya Wuni to brief them on the purpose of her visit.
Interacting with members of the media and inhabitants of Gambaga Witch Camp, the Minister intimated that Government is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all Ghanaians and that no one is left behind in the national growth and development plan.
To enhance their well-being, the Minister stated that residents of the “Witch Camps” have so far been linked to social protection interventions such as LEAP and NHIS.
Madam Lariba encouraged stakeholders to intensify their campaign on witchcraft issues. She also urged everyone to report issues of witchcraft claims to the Chiefs and the Ghana Police Service for redress rather than lynching them.
As part of her working visit, the Minister also met with the Chief and members of the Zakpalsi community in the Mion District to discuss potential solutions to reduce charges of witchcraft in the neighbourhood.
The Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection also visited and commiserated with the aggrieved families of the two deceased as a result of charges of witchcraft in Zakpalsi.
The Minister was accompanied by the Chief Director, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, the Director for the Department of Gender, Ms. Faustina Acheampong and some staff from the Ministry.
