Anti-witchcraft committee inaugurated

Committee for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights and Dignity of Women has been inaugurated at Nahawugu in the Gushegu District to help eliminate the banishing women for allegedly practising witchcraft.

The committee, which comprises of chiefs, assembly members and opinion leaders, is to sensitise people in the communities on the need to respect the rights of especially women to ensure harmonious living.

The Christian Outreach Fellowship, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), initiated the formation and inauguration of the committee after an extensive dialogue with members of the communities where witchcraft allegations against women are prevalent.

Nabuli and Kpatingah witches’ camps are amongst the three camps located in the Gushegu District where alleged witches face dehumanising conditions.

Inaugurating the committee at the weekend, Reverend Emmanuel Anukun-Dabson, Executive Director of the NGO said cultural practices that abuse the human rights of others must not be encouraged and implored the people to put a stop to the practice of banishing women from their communities of because of they are suspected to be witches.

Rev Anukun-Dabson extolled the positive virtues of women, saying: “It is for our own good when we treat women well.”

He urged the committee to work towards reintegrating women who had been banished from their communities.

Mr Inusah Iddrisu, Northern Regional Public Education Officer of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), entreated the people to respect the rights of all in order not to violate the 1992 Constitution.

Mr Iddrisu said witchcraft allegations against women had been major complaints received by CHRAJ.

He said his outfit received 10 of such allegations this year and was able to resolve seven while three are being studied for possible prosecution at the High Court.

He called on members of the committee to constantly engage community members to better understand the issues and put a stop to the practice.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Paa Yeboah, Gushegu-Karaga District Police Commander called for the respect for the rights of others,  warning that those caught harassing women over witchcraft allegations would not prosecuted.

Naa Sukbor Salifu Damba, Chief of Nahawugu, who is a member of the committee, gave the assurance that members would work assiduously to ensure that the practice is eliminated.

Source: GNA