In certain parts of the world, widows are treated with care and sympathy after the loss of their husbands. However, the situation is drastically different in the Upper East Region of Ghana, where widows undergo a series of horrendous experiences at the hands of chiefs, family members, and the community.
Fati Abigail Abdulai, the Executive Director of Widows and Orphan Movement (WOM), has shed light on the heart-wrenching ordeal faced by widows accused of witchcraft in various communities.
This revelation was made in a recent documentary titled “The Horrors of Witchcraft Accusation” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexnewsGh.
Abdulai explains that widows are subjected to a number of stressful funeral rites. These rituals are designed in such a way that ritualists claim they are testing whether the widow is responsible for her husband’s death. In some instances, they even disfigure the deceased husband’s body so that he doesn’t recognize his widow, which can lead to her death. The ritualists often blame the widow for her husband’s death, either alleging infidelity or branding her as a witch, bringing bad luck into their lives.
Abdulai highlights the lack of understanding and ignorance surrounding mourning processes and women’s challenges, such as menopause. She emphasizes that grief affects individuals differently, and widows may display behavior considered “out of the ordinary,” leading to accusations of witchcraft. Women going through menopause often face psychological and physical challenges, but these issues are often dismissed as just part of aging. Abdulai stresses the importance of taking these concerns seriously and providing appropriate medical support.
Numerous cases of alleged witchcraft accusations have been reported, with many of them not reaching the courts but being managed by the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service. Abdulai shares the heart-wrenching story of a widow who was mistreated by a chief because she refused to remarry him as part of funeral rites and practices. The widow was beaten, tied up, and accused of being a witch. Similarly, another woman who lost her husband and most of her children was accused of witchcraft, leading to her being lashed until she falsely confessed. The community he was taken to rejected her, forcing her to seek safety elsewhere.
In a recent investigation conducted by ApexnewsGh, it has come to light that all the chiefs interviewed acknowledged dealing with cases of Witchcraft accusation within their respective palaces on a regular basis.
In an effort to address the detrimental impact of long-standing customs and traditions on innocent widows, who are often grieving the loss of their loved ones, it is imperative that these practices are reevaluated. The platform recommends that chiefs take into account the human rights implications of these customs and modernize them in order to find a more equitable and progressive resolution.
Witchcraft accusations have long plagued many communities, causing widespread fear and anguish. The victims, predominantly vulnerable widows, are unjustly targeted, further exacerbating their pain and sorrow. Recognizing the need for change, it is crucial for the chiefs to consider cancelling specific customs that directly infringe upon human rights.
The modernization of these practices would allow for a more just and compassionate approach to addressing accusations of witchcraft. By embracing progressive methods, the chiefs can uphold the principles of fairness and ensure the protection of the innocent, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.
The documentary, sponsored by MRG and supported by MPEC, sheds light on the horrifying treatment faced by widows accused of witchcraft in Ghana’s Upper East Region.
However, the testimonies shared by Fati Abigail Abdulai reveal the urgent need for increased awareness, education, and support for widows and women going through challenging life transitions. It is essential to address the misconceptions and ignorance surrounding these issues to ensure the safety and well-being of widows in this region.
Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
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