Disband alleged witches camps – ActionAid Ghana supports calls

ActionAid Ghana says it backs calls for the disbandment of alleged witches camps in the country.

In a press release issued in Accra and copied to ghanabusinessnews.com, the group says it supports recent calls by the Deputy Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Hawa Gariba and Dr. Akwasi Osei, Chief Psychiatrist to disband all witches camps in the country.

ActionAid Ghana says through its work in Ghana, it has been drawn to what it describes as “a phenomenon of inhuman practice of abusing women accused of witchcraft which was deeply tearing families and communities apart.” Adding that it is also increasing their abject poverty.

According to the group, over 600 women in the northern region of Ghana are living in camps for those accused of witchcraft.

“The victims of this system are not only abused and expelled from their homes but are also excluded from accessing the means to meet basic physical and social needs,” it says.

It indicates that the women are living in six camps located in the communities of Gambaga, Kukuo, Gnani, Bonyangsi, Naboli and Kpatinga, all in the northern region of Ghana.

According to ActionAid Ghana, the inmates of these camps, accused of witchcraft, have fled or have been banished from their homes.

“Some women as old as 80 years have lived in the camps for as long as 40 years. Also living in the camps are about 700 girls who accompanied the old women as attendants. The girls are between the ages of five and 10 years. Some of these girls have never attended any school or have dropped out of school. Others have lived in the camps until they marry as teenagers,” it says.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi