Witchcraft accusations putting hundreds at risk of "physical attacks or even death" in Ghana, Amnesty says

Hundreds of people suspected of witchcraft in Ghana, especially older women, face rampant human rights abuses including murder, Amnesty International said Monday, asking the government to criminalize accusations and ritual attacks.

In 2023, the Ghanaian parliament passed a bill making it a criminal offense to declare, accuse, name, or label someone as a witch but the bill is yet to be signed into law.

"The accusations, which can lead to threats, physical attacks or even death, usually start within the family or among community members following a tragic event such as an illness or a death," Amnesty said.