WITCHES’ CAMPS IN NORTHERN GHANA: ARE THEY SAFE FOR THE INMATES? – A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF ALLEGED WITCHES IN SOME WITCHES’ CAMPS IN NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

Witchcraft and associated accusations are a disturbing feature of a lesser-known form of violence to which women can be subjected to in some areas of the world, most especially Africa. There have been media reports about the deplorable condition of women living in witches’ camps in Ghana. This study examined the state of women perceived as witches, particularly their psycho-social and health condition. Purposive sampling technique was used to select eight participants perceived as witches at Kukuo witch’s camp. The study approach was qualitative with an interview and observation guides as a data collection tools. There were also three focused group discussions in each community from which the witches came from. Again, four key informant interviews from relevant actors who have in-depth knowledge in the area were conducted. The information obtained from the participants was categorized based on themes as it emerged and which are important to the description of the phenomenon. From the study, women perceived as witches are exposed to deplorable social and environmental conditions with high health risk and low economic statuses associated with old age. These beliefs and practices tend to interfere with their rights in respective communities. The alleged witches claimed they were innocent and were ‘cleansed’, however, due to stigma and fear of fresh attacks from their previous communities, they chose to remain in the camp. It is recommended that women’s groups must be strengthened, and people should be educated on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and financial institutions must readily give loans to these women. Prompt renewal of the Health Insurance Identification Cards should be done to take care of the health needs of residents.