Prophet Adom Kyei, Founder and Leader of the Believers Worship Centre (BWC), has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to assent to the Anti-Witchcraft Bill to help strengthen the protection of persons accused of witchcraft.
According to Prophet Adom Kyei, giving presidential assent to the legislation would be an important step towards addressing the challenges faced by people who are subjected to witchcraft accusations.
He said such accusations could expose victims to stigma, discrimination, social exclusion and, in some cases, various forms of abuse.
The BWC Founder expressed particular concern about the vulnerability of women, children and elderly persons who may find themselves accused of witchcraft based on suspicion, rumours or deeply held traditional beliefs.
He stressed that no person should be subjected to violence, humiliation or other forms of mistreatment merely because of an allegation that he or she is involved in witchcraft.
Prophet Adom Kyei therefore appealed to President Mahama to consider the importance of the Bill and take the necessary steps towards its enactment into law.
He said stronger legal protection, coupled with public education, could help address practices that threaten the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of persons accused of witchcraft.
The Prophet also called on traditional authorities, religious leaders and community leaders to play a greater role in educating the public about the consequences of witchcraft accusations and the need to handle such matters peacefully and lawfully.
He urged churches and other faith-based organisations to promote compassion, tolerance and respect for human dignity, saying religious beliefs should not be used as a basis for subjecting vulnerable people to abuse.
Prophet Adom Kyei expressed the hope that decisive action on the Bill would contribute to protecting vulnerable persons and promoting a society in which allegations of witchcraft are handled through lawful processes rather than violence, stigma or discrimination.
