Tamale High Court on Tuesday, July 4 sentenced two women to 12 years imprisonment each for beating to death an old woman they accused of being a witch.

The convicts, Hajia Serena Mohammed, and Latifa Bumaye were convicted on each of the two counts of manslaughter, and the prison terms are to run concurrently.

On July 23, 2020, Akua Denteh, the 90-year-old woman, was murdered over witchcraft accusations.

The convicts attacked and killed her at Kafaba in the East Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region.

Police arrested seven people including the chief of Kafaba community, Seidu Yahaya.

Hajia Serena Mohammed and Latifa Bomaye were later arrested at their hideouts.

Following the jail term handed to the convicts, the Executive Director of women advocacy NGO, Songtaba is urging traditional leaders to do more to protect women and vulnerable groups in their communities.

Madam Lamnatu Adam said that although the protection from traditional leaders for such vulnerable people in society will not completely eliminate the practice but was hopeful that it will help reduce the act.

“Community leadership need to take the protection of these groups as a priority, especially our traditional authorities.

"And for me, I think that is quite a worrying trend, especially if you look at the recent killing of two at Zakpalisi, where the woman was lynched at the forefront of the Palace.

“Traditional authorities and our chiefs need to take the protection of women, children and other vulnerable groups as a key priority within their jurisdiction,” she said.