Lead sponsor of the Witchcraft Bill, Francis Xavier Sosu, is hopeful that President Akufo-Addo will approve the bill as a parting gift to Ghanaians. Despite facing criticism, Sosu believes the President will reconsider and sign the bill before the end of his term.
During an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story, Sosu expressed his optimism, stating, “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 emphasized that President Akufo-Addo, who has portrayed himself as a champion of human rights, would damage his reputation if he did not sign the bill before exiting office. Sosu added, “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.”
In response to criticism from citizenry, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) urged the President to address any legal concerns he may have with the bill and enact it into law. Dr. Joseph Whittal, the CHRAJ Commissioner, recommended that President Akufo-Addo take urgent steps to assent to the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill, 2023 (Anti-Witchcraft Bill) to protect vulnerable groups and bolster Ghana’s human rights record.
Ghana’s Parliament passed the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022 in 2023, prohibiting the practices of witch doctors and witch finders, as well as the labeling of individuals as witches. The bill, sponsored by Sosu and other NDC MPs, aims to eradicate harmful practices and provide legal protection for individuals accused of witchcraft.
However, President Akufo-Addo has indicated his reluctance to sign private members’ bills that impose financial burdens on the state. He suggested that such proposals should originate from the Executive branch to ensure proper consideration and implementation.
As debates continue over the fate of the Witchcraft Bill, advocates like Francis Xavier Sosu remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding human rights and promoting justice for all Ghanaians.
