Several human rights organisations, civil society groups, and state institutions have renewed calls on the government to shut down all witch camps and criminalise witchcraft accusations across the country.
These appeals have persisted over the years due to growing concerns about human rights abuses, social exclusion, and the neglect suffered by mostly elderly women accused of witchcraft.
Speaking in an interview with Isaac Qwesi Bondzie, Founder and Leader of the Prime Harmony Foundation, after the organisation donated Christmas packages to more than 200 widows at Ajumako Kromam in the Ajumako Enyan District of the Central Region, he described the situation as heartbreaking.
According to him, it is deeply unfortunate that elderly people are branded as witches and abandoned by society and even their own families. He emphasised the need for stronger laws to protect widows and the aged from abuse and discrimination.
The foundation supported the widows with rice, clothing, and other essential items to bring them joy during the festive season.
Mr Bondzie further appealed to family members who mistreat widows following the death of their husbands to desist from such inhumane acts and rather show care and responsibility.
Meanwhile, some of the widows who benefited from the donation also appealed to the government to provide them with startup capital to help them engage in income-generating activities that would cater to their children and families.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com / Nana Ansah Mathew
