The government is currently providing both men and women who have been accused of witchcraft with a bi-monthly cash grant, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection has revealed.

Addressing Parliament yesterday, following an urgent question posed by Francis-Xavier Sosu, the Member of Parliament for Madina, the sector minister, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, made this known.

The question focused on measures the government is taking to safeguard individuals accused of witchcraft.

In her response, Dr. Lartey explained that the government is providing bi-monthly cash grants to 813 men and women who have been accused of witchcraft.

The cash grants, Dr. Agnes said, being provided under the Livelihoods Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), were intended to provide relief and support for those unjustly accused of witchcraft.

She also explained that her outfit has increased education and is embarking on campaigns in communities where such practices were prevalent, calling on traditional leaders and the public to join forces in dismantling such harmful superstitions.

Dr Lartey said in 2022, the Ministry submitted a position paper to amend the Criminal Offences Act of 1960, (Act 29) to prohibit witch doctors and witch-finders from practicing.

The ministry, she said, had written to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to enact a law to explicitly criminalize the practice.

“It’s our fervent hope that the proposed amendment will receive necessary bipartisan support from the House,” Dr Lartey stated.

The minister further went on to urge persons accused of witchcraft to seek legal redress to restore and protect their rights and dignity.

Dr Lartey made a passionate appeal to all citizens to desist from accusing persons of witchcraft.