The Office of the President wants to set the record straight regarding recent speculation surrounding President Nana Akufo-Addo’s stance on the Criminal Offences (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2023, aimed at outlawing witch doctors and witch-finding practices.
There seems to be some confusion following Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin’s, expression of dissatisfaction over what was perceived as the President’s silence on the matter. The President’s Office, however, has clarified that the bill was officially presented to him on Monday, November 27, 2023, the very day the Speaker voiced his concerns.
This particular bill, championed by MP Francis Xavier Sosu, is a private member’s initiative with the goal of preventing attacks on individuals accused of witchcraft and prohibiting the activities of witch doctors and witch-finders. The President’s Office emphasized the President’s commitment to his constitutional responsibilities, assuring that a thorough evaluation of the bill will precede any decision.
In response to the claims made by the Speaker of Parliament and the Minority Caucus, the President’s Office stated, “Contrary to the claims made in these reports by the Speaker of Parliament and the Minority Caucus in Parliament, President Akufo-Addo has not remained silent on the Bill. How could the Speaker of Parliament accuse the President of remaining silent on the Bill when it was officially presented to him on Monday, 27th November 2023, the same day the Speaker made the accusation?
“Indeed, the Bill was officially presented to the President for his assent together with the Wildlife Resources Management Bill, 2023 and National Petroleum Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, under cover of a letter dated 27th November 2023, with reference PS/CS/112/826. (See attachment).
“It is, thus, wholly inaccurate that the Bill has been sitting on the desk of the President without receiving due attention.”
