Ghana has again drew attention to the deficits in legislation , especially regarding some human rights issues as Witchcraft.
This was at the 5th Anniversary observation of the passing of Akua Denteh, a wan who was lunched to death on allegations of being a witch.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, on Wednesday, 23rd July 2025, joined civil society groups, religious and traditional leaders, and human rights advocates to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the lynching of Madam Akua Denteh, a 90-year-old woman tragically killed in Kafaba in 2020 after being falsely accused of witchcraft.
The event, organized by The Sanneh Institute and held at Christ the King Parish in Accra, featured a sensitization lecture under the theme: “Witchcraft Accusation Destroys More Than Lives.”
It brought together stakeholders from across sectors, including women’s groups, legal experts, and community leaders, all united in a call to end harmful cultural practices.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, who represented the Ministry at the event, delivered a speech on behalf of the Vice President of the Republic, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
In the statement, the Vice President described Madam Denteh’s lynching as a national tragedy that exposed the deep-rooted discrimination and violence faced by older women in Ghana.
She emphasized that such accusations are a form of gender-based violence that strip women of their dignity and basic rights. “This is not a regional issue; it is a national crisis,” the Minister read.
“When women are brutalized in the name of tradition or superstition, we diminish the humanity of our entire society.”
The Vice President’s statement applauded the efforts of organizations like The Sanneh Institute, ActionAid Ghana, Songtaba, and others for their role in advocating for the criminalization of witchcraft accusations.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey also highlighted a historic government initiative to dismantle witch camps, which led to the successful closure of the Bonyasi camp and the reintegration of 55 women. She noted that the Vice President’s office is committed to reviving this policy and working with partners to protect all vulnerable persons.
She urged all stakeholders to act swiftly and decisively: “The time for symbolic gestures is over. The time for action is now. Together, we can build a Ghana where no woman is afraid for her life simply because she is old, vulnerable, or different.”
The event concluded with a symbolic memorial march in honour of Madam Akua Denteh and a renewed national call to action against stigma, violence, and discrimination.
