President denies delay tactics on Witchcraft Bill, citing constitutional processes

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has refuted allegations of intentionally withholding approval for the Criminal Offences (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2023, commonly referred to as the Witchcraft Bill.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), targeting practices involving witch doctors or witch-finders and criminalizing the declaration or labelling of individuals as witches.

Despite Parliament passing the bill in July, its enactment has faced a delay, sparking controversy.

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During a session of Parliament on Monday, November 27th, 2023, the Minority Caucus accused the President of violating the 1992 Constitution by not signing the bill within months of its legislative approval.

Minority leader Cassiel Ato Forson argued that the President’s inaction amounted to a constitutional breach, urging the House to take appropriate measures.

He emphasized the constitutional guidance for addressing situations where the President fails to sign approved bills.

Tamale South Member of Parliament Haruna Iddrisu insisted that the President must adhere to Article 106 of the Constitution, which mandates communication of any concerns about bill provisions in writing.

Failure to do so, he warned, could set a concerning precedent for future legislative processes.

Speaker of the House, Alban Bagbin, rebuked President Akufo-Addo for what he perceived as a lack of response to the bill.

However, the Director of Communications at the Office of the President, Eugene Arhin, countered these claims, stating that the bill, along with others, was officially presented to the President on November 27th, 2023.

Arhin emphasized the President’s adherence to Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, allowing seven days for review and assent to any presented bill.

He stressed that the President remains well within the legally stipulated timeframe to make a decision regarding the Witchcraft bill, highlighting the commitment to constitutional mandates and legislative processes.