Ghana’s Witch Camps Slow to Close

Joana Mantey – Voice of America – Friday, 01 June 2012 (originally published 24 May)

Alleged witches gather in Kukuo village, Northern Ghana Image: Jane Hahn/ActionAid

ACCRA – In northern Ghana, efforts are under way to disband six shelters for women accused of sorcery, known as “witch camps.” Policy makers and some non-profit groups are working together to get the women reintegrated into their communities, but the plan is running into obstacles.

Witch camps are settlements for women banished or fleeing from their communities for alleged witchcraft. They are located in Gambaga, Kukuo, Gnani, Bonyansi, Naboli and Kpatinga – all scattered settlements in the northern region of Ghana.

More than 600 women and 300 children still reside in these camps despite decades of campaigning for the closure of such places . . .

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