cbsnews.com
Ghana: Hundreds Face Witchcraft Accusations, Systemic Issues Plague Vulnerable
Amnesty International reports hundreds of Ghanaians, mostly older women, face human rights abuses due to witchcraft accusations; a parliamentary bill criminalizing these accusations awaits enactment, highlighting systemic issues of poverty, gender inequality, and inadequate government protection.
- What immediate actions must Ghana take to protect vulnerable individuals from witchcraft accusations and related violence?
- Hundreds of people in Ghana, mainly older women, are falsely accused of witchcraft, leading to human rights abuses including murder. A recent parliamentary bill criminalizing such accusations awaits the president's signature. This inaction endangers vulnerable individuals and perpetuates harmful traditions.
- How do societal factors like poverty, gender roles, and traditional beliefs contribute to the prevalence of witchcraft accusations in Ghana?
- The accusations stem from family or community tragedies, targeting marginalized older women in poverty or with disabilities. This reflects a broader issue of societal mistreatment of the elderly and the vulnerable, worsened by existing gender inequalities and poverty. The lack of governmental protection highlights systemic failures to safeguard vulnerable populations.
- What long-term strategies can effectively address the root causes of witchcraft accusations, ensuring sustainable protection and changing societal attitudes?
- Ghana's failure to fully implement the anti-witchcraft bill and protect victims signals a continued acceptance of these harmful practices. This inaction will likely result in further human rights violations and deaths unless there's increased government commitment and public awareness campaigns focusing on vulnerable populations. The situation underscores the need for stronger legal frameworks and extensive community education across Africa.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely neutral, focusing on the human rights abuses faced by victims. The headline clearly states the problem and the call to action. While the report highlights the government's inaction, it does so in a factual manner rather than through inflammatory language.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual, avoiding emotionally charged terms. While describing violent acts, the report maintains an objective tone. The use of quotes from organizations and individuals adds credibility and avoids editorializing.
Bias by Omission
The report focuses on Ghana but mentions similar incidents in other African countries, briefly describing them. While it acknowledges the broader context, a more in-depth exploration of the issue across Africa could provide a richer understanding of the root causes and variations in practice. The report also omits discussion of potential socio-economic factors contributing to the belief in witchcraft, such as lack of education or access to healthcare, which could influence the severity and frequency of accusations.
Gender Bias
The report explicitly points out that older women are disproportionately targeted, highlighting gender bias. It mentions how women who don't conform to stereotypical gender roles are at greater risk. This demonstrates a clear understanding of gender dynamics in the issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights how older women in Ghana are disproportionately targeted due to accusations of witchcraft, facing human rights abuses, and even death. This directly violates their fundamental rights and perpetuates gender inequality. The fact that those accused are often marginalized, impoverished, and have health conditions further underscores the intersectional nature of the injustice. The lack of government protection and support exacerbates this inequality.