Gnani and Kukuo witches’ camps facing stigma, lack of education and healthcare – Human Rights Committee

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights, in collaboration with various civil society organisations (CSOs), has visited the Gnani and Kukuo witches’ camps to document findings and assess community dynamics.

At the Gnani Camp, the leader of the settlement, Alhassan, welcomed the Committee and provided an update on the camp’s conditions. He explained that the camp provides shelter for alleged witches and wizards who face mistreatment in their own communities. According to him, stigma, inadequate resources, lack of education, and poor access to healthcare remain the major challenges confronting residents.

The Committee also proceeded to the Kukuo Camp, where they engaged with residents and, in line with custom, paid homage to the town’s chief.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Anim Yaw Ernest, assured both camps that Parliament, with the support of CSOs, will advocate against the injustices suffered by alleged witches and work to ensure the passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Bill. He further noted that the Committee would push for victims not yet enrolled on the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme to be registered without delay.

On behalf of the Committee, Hon. Ernest also made cash donations to both camps.