The lead sponsor of the Witchcraft Bill, Francis Xavier Sosu, is hopeful that the President will sign the bill into law as a parting gift to the people of Ghana. Despite facing criticism and backlash from citizens, he believes that President Akufo-Addo will address concerns and approve the bill before his term concludes.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on July 25, he said “I am still very hopeful that with all these conversations, the President will be convinced to rescind his decision and assent to the bill so this becomes one of his legacies before he leaves office.”
He illustrated that the President has always projected himself as a human rights advocate, and it would damage his reputation if he left office without signing the bill. “If you claim to be a human rights person and all that and over the years and this is how you end your tenure of office, that will be an anti-climax to whatever you have always claimed to be,” he added.
Mr Sosu stressed that if the President does not assent to the bill before leaving office, he is ready to begin the process of laying the bill in Parliament until it becomes law. This call to action is detailed in CHRAJ’s advisory opinion on the Criminal Offences Bill, 2023 [Anti-Witchcraft Bill], signed by the Commissioner, Dr Joseph Whittal.
“In light of the foregoing, the Commission respectfully urges His Excellency the President of the Republic to take urgent steps, including any legislative measures, that will resolve any constitutional concerns raised by H.E. the President in order to assent to the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill, 2023 (Anti-Witchcraft Bill). This will further enhance the protection of this vulnerable group and consolidate Ghana’s human rights record,” stated Dr Whittal.
On July 28, 2023, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which amends the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) to ban the practices of witch doctors and witch finders, and to prohibit the declaration, accusation, or labelling of individuals as witches.
The Private Member’s Bill was sponsored by Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu (NDC MP for Madina) along with other NDC MPs: Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso, and Madam Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah.
However, President Akufo-Addo has indicated he will not sign private members’ bills into law if they impose a charge on the Consolidated Fund. He emphasized that such proposals should come from the Executive branch. This includes the bill sponsored by Mr Sosu to abolish the death penalty and proscribe witchcraft accusations.
By: Connielove Mawutornyo Dzodzegbe
