President Akufo Addo Reveals Why He Cannot Sign Witchcraft Bill

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed his support for the contents of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (Witchcraft bill) and the Armed Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2023. However, due to constitutional issues, he cannot assent to them.

In a letter read by Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, President Akufo-Addo explained that the bills were prepared in a manner that violates Article 108 of the 1992 Ghana Constitution. He emphasized that any legislation passed must be in alignment with the provisions of the Constitution.

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The President raised specific constitutional concerns during a conversation with the Speaker, citing the nature of the bills being introduced as private member's bills rather than being presented on his behalf. He stated that while the content of the bills has his support, they must be enacted in line with established constitutional and legislative processes.

President Akufo-Addo intends to have the bills reintroduced to Parliament on his behalf in due course, once the necessary considerations and review are done.

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The President also expressed inability to assent to the Wildlife Resources Management Bill, 2023, due to various provisions requiring Parliament to reconsider the move to ensure alignment with established constitutional legislative processes.

The Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, known as the Witchcraft Bill, aims to criminalize the practice of witchcraft accusation and proscribes the declaration, accusation, naming, or labeling of another person as a witch. It was laid in Parliament on March 31, 2023, by Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, on behalf of other co-sponsors.

The failure of the President to assent to the Witchcraft Bill has been a point of contention in Parliament, with some members citing it as a constitutional breach. The President's decision to withhold assent is based on his commitment to upholding constitutional integrity and legislative process.

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During the subsequent discussion, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader, clarified that the President had identified certain technical issues with the bill and had scheduled a meeting with the Speaker to resolve them before the bill becomes a law.

President Akufo-Addo was shown the bill on Monday, November 27, 2023, the day the Speaker made the charge, according to an explanation provided by the Office of the President on Tuesday, November 29, 2023.

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