Hundreds of people in northern Ghana, mostly older women, continue to live in fear and extreme hardship after being accused of witchcraft and forced from their communities, according to a new report published Monday by Amnesty International.
The report, “Branded for Life: How Witchcraft Accusations Lead to Human Rights Violations of Hundreds of Women in North Ghana,” reveals how more than 500 people—primarily women aged 50 to 90—are surviving in four informal “witch camps” with inadequate access to food, healthcare, safe housing, clean water, or economic opportunities.
“These accusations, often triggered by a death, illness, or even a dream, are rooted in misogyny and harmful stereotypes,” said Michèle Eken, Amnesty senior researcher. “They violate fundamental rights to life, safety, and non-discrimination.”
Victims told Amnesty how they were driven out of their communities by family or neighbors. Some were attacked, while others fled after being accused by village leaders. Fawza*, now in the Gnani camp, said: “My neighbor said he dreamt I was trying to kill him. That’s why he accused me.” Fatma* said she was accused after refusing to let the village chief marry her daughters.
The camps are overseen by local religious leaders and offer basic refuge, but conditions remain dire. Alimata*, a resident, said: “Water comes down through the roof when it rains.” Once a shea nut harvester, she now relies entirely on others for food.
Amnesty criticized the government for failing to provide basic support or reintegration pathways for victims. “They have no means to support themselves, and yet there are no government programs to help them recover,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty’s interim regional director for West and Central Africa.
Amnesty is urging the government to take immediate action—specifically to criminalize witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks through legislation, ensure access to justice and reparations for victims, close the witch camps with adequate support for residents, and launch a long-term campaign to end discriminatory beliefs.
The Ghanaian Parliament passed a bill in July 2023 criminalizing witchcraft accusations and related abuses, amending the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960. However, President Nana Akufo-Addo later declined to sign it, citing procedural issues. Amnesty called on President John Mahama’s new administration to reintroduce and enact such legislation as a priority.
“The government must act now,” said Genevieve Partington, Amnesty Ghana’s country director. “Ending these abuses requires more than laws—it demands a holistic approach that tackles stigma, provides protection, and helps victims rebuild their lives.”
*Names have been changed by Amnesty in the report to protect identities.
