The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has disclosed that 813 men and women accused of witchcraft are currently receiving bi-monthly cash grants from the government through the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme.
She explained that the cash grants form part of a broader intervention by the Ministry to offer immediate relief and dignity to individuals, mostly elderly women, who have been ostracised, harmed, or traumatised as a result of being branded as witches.
“This intervention, though modest, aims to provide immediate relief and support to those who have been unjustly ostracised or deprived,” Dr Lartey said, adding that the Ministry also continued to engage in public sensitisation efforts to dismantle harmful superstitions and promote respect for the elderly.
She made the revelation on the floor of Parliament last Tuesday, in response to a question posed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, who has been a vocal advocate for the protection of persons accused of witchcraft and a co-sponsor of legislation aimed at ending the practice.
Effects, legislation
Dr Lartey , who is also the MP for Krowor, emphasised that witchcraft accusations often resulted in severe mental health deterioration and, in some tragic cases, loss of life, especially among older women.
The minister, therefore, lauded Mr Sosu for his persistent advocacy, which aligned with her outfit’s mission to protect vulnerable groups.
In furtherance of this mission, she recalled that her ministry had submitted a position paper in 2022 in support of a Private Members’ Bill that sought to criminalise the practice of accusing people of witchcraft.
The bill proposed amendments to the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), to ban the activities of witch doctors, witch finders, and any form of declaration, accusation or naming of individuals as witches.
She mentioned that the ministry has since followed up with formal communication to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, advocating the proposed legal reforms to be adopted and implemented.
Sensitisation, appeal
The Krowor MP stated that the ministry was actively sensitising the public, particularly in communities where witchcraft accusations are common.
These awareness efforts, she said, aimed to dismantle harmful superstitions, promote respect for the elderly and prevent abuse and exploitation of vulnerable persons — especially older women.
“Education and awareness are crucial tools for dismantling these harmful superstitions and promoting respect for our elders,” she added.
Ms Lartey also called on all Ghanaians to refrain from accusing anyone of witchcraft and encouraged citizens to seek redress for grievances through the legal system.
She further urged traditional leaders to use their influence to protect victims and promote peace and justice within their communities.
