Lariba Zuweira Abudu, the minister for gender, children, and social protection, has pleaded with traditional leaders in the north to assist in putting a stop to the abuse of those who are suspected of practising witchcraft.
She said that they ought to spearhead the effort to halt the rising rate of violence against supposed witches in the region since they were respected traditional leaders who had significant responsibilities in their individual communities.
The attacks and deaths of people—especially old ladies suspected of practising witchcraft—were termed by the minister as barbarous, and as such, urgent action was required to stop them.
During her working tour to the North East Region, Hajia Lariba made the request while paying a courtesy call on the Overlord of Mamprugu, Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, in Nalerigu.
She came to engage with some of the attack victims and get the approval of traditional leaders.
The minister stated that the government was dedicated to upholding the rights of victims and putting a stop to the threat.
She said that her organisation has released brand-new monitoring software that would let people directly report such instances to the government for prompt and effective response.
A private member's bill intended to protect those who are accused of witchcraft will soon be voted into law, according to Hajia Lariba.
Once approved, the bill would make charges of witchcraft illegal, and anyone proven responsible would face legal consequences.
The minister also paid a visit to the Gambaga Witches Camp, where he spoke with the prisoners and offered his support.
Sampson Laar, the camp's caretaker, praised the ministry's support of the convicts over the years and made a plea for additional funding so they could take care of certain urgent requirements, such as access to potable water.
Resolve
Nayiri declared his intention to defend the rights of the region's weak women.
Accordingly, he said, traditional leaders and the assemblies will work together to enact a bye-law to stop people from accusing the elderly of being witches.
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