The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has said that Ghana stands to save more than GH¢25 million if witch camps in the country are disbanded.

Sosu said dismantling these camps would not only reduce the government’s economic burden, but also help restore the basic human rights of those forced into them.

“The reason former President Akufo-Addo gave for not signing the bill simply doesn’t hold water. We’ve conducted a fiscal impact analysis of the bill, and as of 2023 when it was passed, it showed that over the course of 30 years, the government had spent more than GH¢25 million catering for people living in witchcraft camps. Disbanding these camps would save the country all that money, while also allowing affected individuals to live freely without any limitations,” he indicated.

In a starrfm.com.gh report, it said Sosu disclosed that the Anti-Witchcraft Bill was initially passed by Parliament in July 2023 to criminalise witchcraft accusations and protect vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly women from abuse and stigmatisation.

According to him, beyond dismantling witch camps, the bill also aims to criminalise the act of accusing others of witchcraft, regulate the activities of spiritualists and witch doctors, provide support and reintegration services for survivors.

He also said it aims to promote public education to challenge harmful superstitions.

However, the Madina MP said the bill failed to receive presidential assent from the former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who cited constitutional breaches as a concern.

It will be recalled that Sosu, alongside nine other MPs, reintroduced the bill in March 2025 to emphasise the urgency of safeguarding the rights of vulnerable women and even some men in society.

The reintroduction of the bill has garnered support and endorsement from Amnesty International Ghana, a human rights organisation, which is urging President John Dramani Mahama to sign the bill into law after its passage to help combat stigma and abuse in society.

MRA/AE

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children's dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below: