GH¢25 Million Wasted: Sosu Pushes to Shut Down Ghana’s Witch Camps

Ghana could save over GH¢25 million if all witch camps across the country are disbanded, according to Francis-Xavier Sosu, the Member of Parliament for Madina.

Speaking in support of the Anti-Witchcraft Bill, Sosu explained that keeping these camps running has not only been costly to the state but has also violated the basic human rights of those living in them—mostly elderly women and other vulnerable individuals.

“We’ve done a fiscal impact analysis of the bill,” he said. “Between now and the past 30 years, over GH¢25 million has been spent on maintaining people in witch camps. Disbanding them would save the country money and restore dignity to those unfairly accused.”

The Anti-Witchcraft Bill, first passed by Parliament in July 2023, was designed to criminalise witchcraft accusations, regulate the activities of spiritualists and witch doctors, and promote reintegration and public education.

Despite its passage, the bill was not signed into law by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who cited constitutional concerns.

Sosu, along with nine other MPs, reintroduced the bill in March 2025, stressing the need to protect victims of superstition and harmful cultural practices. The MP argued that there is no constitutional barrier to protecting people from violence, stigma, and abuse.

The bill now enjoys strong support from Amnesty International Ghana, which is urging President John Dramani Mahama to sign it into law.

Beyond cost savings, Sosu believes the bill is a moral necessity.

“These are human beings, not witches,” he said. “We must do better as a country. Accusations ruin lives, and it’s time we stand against it.”

If passed into law, the bill will criminalize not only the existence of witch camps but also the very act of accusing someone of witchcraft—potentially bringing an end to decades of fear and discrimination.