Witchcraft bill was officially presented yesterday, says Presidency as it rejects allegations by Speaker Bagbin

The Office of the President says allegations made by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin that President Nana Akufo-Addo was declining to sign into law, amendments made to the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) are inaccurate. 

Mr. Bagbin during proceedings in Parliament yesterday, November 27 had expressed displeasure over what he described as the President's lack of communication on whether he assents or disapproves of the bill, as constitutionally mandated.

The Bill in question, the Criminal Offences (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2023 was sponsored by Madina MP, Francis-Xavier Sosu, and passed in July, seeking to outlaw the practices of witchdoctors and witchfinders, in addition to prohibiting acts of declaring, labelling, and accusing an individual a witch. 

But a statement signed by Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Jubilee House noted that President Nana Akufo-Addo was only officially presented with the Bill on Monday, November 27, 2023, the same day Mr. Bagbin made the accusations.

"How could the Speaker of Parliament accuse the President of remaining silent on the Bill when it was officially presented to him on Monday, 27th November 2023, the same day the Speaker made the accusation? 

“Indeed, the Bill was officially presented to the President for his assent together with the Wildlife Resources Management Bill, 2023 and National Petroleum Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, under cover of a letter dated 27th November 2023,” the statement said.

"President Akufo-Addo is mindful of Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, which affords the President seven (7) days to review and give his assent to any Bill presented to him. In light of this constitutional provision, it is important to note that the President is still well within the legally stipulated timeframe to make a decision 
regarding the Bill."