The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has outlined a government strategy aimed at addressing witchcraft accusations and protecting vulnerable persons from stigma, violence and social exclusion.

Mr Ibrahim, who is also the Member of Parliament for Banda, disclosed the measures on the floor of Parliament on Thursday while responding to a question from the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumawu, Ernest Yaw Anim, on efforts to secure the support of chiefs and community stakeholders in addressing witchcraft accusations.

The Minister acknowledged that witchcraft accusations remain a significant social challenge in some parts of the country, often affecting women, children and the elderly, and leading to discrimination, abuse and forced displacement.

He noted that although the proposed Private Member's Bill on Witchcraft Accusations, sponsored by the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has not yet been passed into law, the government is taking steps to build public support and strengthen community engagement ahead of its anticipated enactment.

According to Mr Ibrahim, the ministry intends this year to review existing sub-regional laws relating to witchcraft accusations to ensure Ghana's legal framework is consistent with international human rights standards.

He stressed that chiefs, traditional authorities and religious leaders are central to the success of efforts to address the issue because of their influence within local communities.

As part of the strategy, the ministry plans to engage chiefs, religious leaders and community stakeholders in nationwide discussions on the dangers associated with witchcraft accusations and the need to protect victims.

Mr Ibrahim said the ministry would also incorporate the views of traditional authorities into the review of existing laws and the proposed legislation to promote wider acceptance and effective implementation.

He further disclosed that collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection would be strengthened to provide shelters, psychosocial support and other protection services for victims of witchcraft accusations, domestic violence, child trafficking and child marriage.