The Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill is progressing through the required processes, with proposed amendments to the Criminal Offences Act currently before the Attorney General’s Department.

The update was disclosed by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, during a meeting with a delegation from Amnesty International Ghana led by its Director, Hannah Osei.

The meeting focused on the progress of the Bill and measures to strengthen the protection of persons affected by accusations of witchcraft.

Ms Osei commended the Ministry for its efforts to advance gender equality and social protection and reaffirmed Amnesty International Ghana’s commitment to supporting advocacy for the passage of the Bill.

She urged the Ministry to continue working with the Attorney General’s Department and other stakeholders to facilitate the Bill’s progress.

According to her, reintroducing the legislation as a government-sponsored Bill could help address some of the challenges that prevented its earlier passage.

Dr Lartey welcomed Amnesty International Ghana’s continued partnership and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons through stronger legal and policy measures.

The Minister said the Bill is going through the necessary processes, with proposed amendments to the Criminal Offences Act currently under consideration by the Attorney General’s Department.

The two sides also discussed opportunities for continued collaboration to protect the rights, dignity and well-being of persons affected by witchcraft accusations.

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana’s legal and policy framework for protecting vulnerable persons and addressing harmful practices associated with accusations of witchcraft.