In a recent interview with Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexnewsGh, Bismark Ayorogo, the Executive Director at Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy (NORPRA), expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing dispute between the presidency and Parliament over President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to sign the witchcraft bill. Ayorogo believes that the president’s deliberate stalling is aimed at avoiding endorsing the bill before leaving office.
Ayorogo expressed his disappointment in the prolonged discussions between the presidency and Parliament and emphasized the need for the president to fulfill his constitutional duty once the bill is passed by Parliament.
As the bill directly affects vulnerable groups, Ayorogo argued that any concerns the president may have should be overshadowed by the fact that the bill represents the will of the Ghanaian people, as voiced through their parliamentary representatives.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Ayorogo stressed that lives should not be lost due to baseless accusations of witchcraft. He criticized individuals who claimed supernatural powers to identify witches and harm innocent people, and reminded President Akufo-Addo, a human rights lawyer, of the need to prioritize such issues. According to Ayorogo, any obstacles or challenges regarding the bill’s legality or constitutionality can be swiftly resolved if the president makes it a priority.
Ayorogo highlighted that most witchcraft accusations are made by the elderly, while young and frustrated individuals are either unemployed often engage in acts of violence against vulnerable men and women. He lamented this unfortunate situation, arguing that these unemployed individuals should take responsibility for their own actions rather than blaming the elderly for their misfortunes.
In the 21st century, Ayorogo asserted that it is unacceptable for individuals to take the law into their own hands. He noted that existing legislation already prohibits the deprivation of life based solely on witchcraft accusations, unless there is irrefutable proof in a court of law.
Ayorogo urged President Akufo-Addo not to delay signing the bill, acknowledging the existence of witchcraft but emphasizing the president’s duty to act before leaving office.
Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
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