NPP-USA Women’s Wing Condemns the Killing of 90 year old woman

As the Women’s Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the United States of America (USA) and advocate for Ghanaian women, we call for swift investigations and prosecution of the perpetrators of the gruesome lynching and murder of an innocent ninety (90) year old woman which occurred at Kafaba in the East Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region of Ghana.

We vehemently condemn in no uncertain terms the actions of these unscrupulous perpetrators for accusing the 90 year old woman of witchcraft. This is a grave and unpardonable violation of human rights which must not be handled with kid’s gloves.

Violence against women has no place in today’s Ghana in particular and the world in general. This irresponsible and inhuman behavior does not only have negative consequences for women and youth, but also their families, the entire community, and the country. The effects of such abuse on women includes a negative impact on psychological health and also altering the long-term trust of children, among others.

In a disturbing video that has gone viral and continue to be shared on social media, the victim can be heard clearly crying for help and mercy, and refuting allegations that she is a witch. She was pushed down by a fellow woman and beaten mercilessly. This is a total display of wickedness by the perpetrators.

It is unclear what prompted the supposed soothsayer or priestess to accuse the old woman of witchcraft and her subsequent lynching but scenes in the video can only be described as barbaric. The disturbing video has younger women, slapping, whipping and hitting the old woman’s head with a heavy object, while other community members cheer them on. This is unacceptable and must be condemned.

We therefore call on the Government, community leaders, Queen Mothers and the Ministry for Social Welfare to bring these individuals to book, and also to develop women advocacy groups in our communities dedicated to strengthening and protecting women’s plight in Ghana.

The NPP- USA Women’s wing wishes to extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wish them God’s guidance during these difficult times.

Signed
Mrs Barbara Boafo
NPP-USA Women’s Organizer.