This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center

By Claire Thomas and Nicholas Azebire

Ghana’s “Witch Camps”: A Nation at a Crossroads

In the northern regions of Ghana, hundreds of women—most of them elderly, widowed, and impoverished—live in exile in so-called “witch camps.” Accused of witchcraft by their own families or communities, they are cast out and confined to lives of isolation, poverty, and fear. These are not criminals. They are victims of deeply rooted superstition, misogyny, and social abandonment.

Underlying these accusations is a broader cultural context. Ghana is a country where Christianity and Islam dominate, yet traditional spiritual beliefs—including fear of witches—remain potent. Illness, crop failure, or even a child’s academic success can be blamed on malevolent spiritual interference. Elderly women without male protectors or resources are easy targets.

To be accused of witchcraft in Ghana is to face exile, persecution, and even death. For those deemed “guilty,” banishment to one of northern Ghana’s six so-called witch camps is often the only means of survival.

These accusations can have deadly consequences. In July 2020, 90-year-old Akua Denteh was tragically lynched in a public market square after being accused of witchcraft. The incident, which was filmed and widely shared on social media, prompted national outrage and renewed demands for legal and cultural reform.

During a visit to the Gambaga camp for women accused of witchcraft in 2009, I asked an elderly woman if she believed she was a witch. Before she could answer, my translator—a relative of the local chief—interrupted: “Of course she is. Why else would she be here?” The question was never translated. Her voice, like so many others, was silenced.

The so-called witch camps—located throughout northern Ghana—lack formal barriers or security, yet the women living there face severe restrictions on their freedom. Often confined to basic, windowless mud huts with little access to resources, their displacement stems from accusations that, once made, can permanently alter the course of their lives. Traditional rituals involving animal sacrifice are sometimes used to determine guilt or innocence, but even these do not guarantee protection or reintegration.

As Dr. John Azumah, Executive Director of The Sanneh Institute, explains: “The judgment is delivered not by spirits, but by neighbors. A mere accusation can ruin a life.”

“There are no physical barriers keeping the women inside,” he adds. “But cultural and psychological ones are deeply entrenched. The women are made to believe that if they leave the camp, the spirits will kill them.”

The reality on the ground is best understood through the voices of women like those I met during a visit to the Gambaga camp in May 2025, including Matis Awola, a widow in her fifties, who was accused after a man claimed to have seen her in a dream. “The next day I was called a witch. I ran to the bush and wanted to kill myself,” she recalled. Her son brought her to Gambaga, where she now works for food on a nearby farm.

The emotional and economic toll of life in the camps is evident in many testimonies. Fusheina, a widow and mother of five, has lived in the Gnani camp for the past six years. She was accused of witchcraft by the chief of her village after the sudden death of her nephew. Expelled immediately, she now lives alone. “I’m not happy because my children are not with me,” she says sorrowfully. “I just want to go home.” But returning is not an option—she fears the villagers would harm her.

Life in the camp is extremely difficult, Fusheina adds. “There is no work. We don’t have a farm here, so we have no way of earning money.” She hasn’t seen her children in over two years.

These individual stories reflect a broader, systemic reality. The consequences are devastating. Many women have lived in the camps for decades, stripped of their dignity, their families, and their freedom—all without due process. Some arrive voluntarily, fleeing mobs with machetes or torches. Others are brought by force. All are marked for life.

Professor Azumah describes the camps as sites of systemic abuse and exploitation: “These women are used as free labor. Even aid from NGOs is often diverted by community leaders.”

The hardships extend across generations. Children are not spared. Some live in the camps with their grandmothers, facing bullying and stigma for being related to accused witches. Labeled “witches’ children,” they are often pushed out of school and forced into street labor. In some camps, disturbing reports have emerged of sexual abuse, including allegations involving religious leaders. In one particularly troubling case, a priest is alleged to have fathered children with multiple women in a camp.

These children often struggle to access education, healthcare, and safety. Many are forced to work in local markets or on nearby farms to survive. The cycle of marginalization is inherited, and the trauma is passed down.

For women who hope to return to their communities, the path to reintegration is fraught. They must often undergo “cleansing rituals,” which can cost over 1,000 Ghanaian cedis (around $100 USD), including the slaughter of livestock. For most, this is financially impossible.

Still, efforts by NGOs, churches, and activists continue. Groups like The Sanneh Institute, Action Aid Ghana, and Songtaba offer food, shelter, counseling, and advocacy. In July 2025, these organizations came together to mark the fifth anniversary of Akua Denteh’s death with a memorial march and exhibition. Photographs of women from the camps were displayed as a visual call to action.

Amidst ongoing advocacy, change may finally be within reach. In 2023, Ghana’s Parliament passed an amendment to the Criminal Offenses Act criminalizing witchcraft accusations. And in March 2025, the long-delayed Anti-Witchcraft Bill was reintroduced, aiming to outlaw such accusations entirely, shut down the camps, and establish a legal pathway for reintegration.

If passed, the bill would mark a historic turning point. Advocates are cautiously optimistic that it will be signed into law. However, they acknowledge that legal reform alone will not be enough. Experts, including Professor Azumah, emphasize that real progress will require not only legislation but also a broader shift in societal attitudes—supported by coordinated implementation, sustained funding, and long-term commitment from both government and civil society.

Beyond legal efforts and public policy, there are deeper human dimensions to this crisis. This story is not only about injustice. It is about resilience. Women who have suffered unimaginable trauma still speak of going home. It’s about a nation confronting the crossroads between tradition and human rights. And it’s about amplifying voices that, for too long, have been silenced.

As the memory of Akua Denteh fades from headlines, Ghana must answer a critical question: will it continue to allow fear and superstition to govern the fate of its most vulnerable, or will it choose justice, dignity, and change?

NB: This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center

By Claire Thomas and Nicholas Azebire

A feat worth celebrating

In a groundbreaking achievement for Northern Ghanaian music, the music video for “Empty Grave” by Dr. Pushkin and B-Wayne has officially become the most-streamed music video from Northern Ghana on YouTube, currently nearing 1.6 million views in just seven months.

Shot at the iconic Red Clay Studio in Tamale by visionary director Junaid Timtooni Yakubu and his talented team, the video has now surpassed the legendary “Total Cheat” by Fancy Gadam and Sarkodie. This track held its dominance for eight years.

What makes this milestone even more extraordinary is that “Empty Grave” reached this height without the usual advantages:

• No big-name Southern Ghanaian feature
• No mainstream media coverage
• No industry gatekeeper support or co-sign

Instead, its rise has been powered by its raw authenticity, cinematic brilliance, and a deeply resonant social message—proof that true artistry can thrive on merit and purpose alone.

The track, written by Paul Azunre and Bismark Sombilla and produced by Paul Azunre, Dreamlife & Memory, and Peewezel, stands as a compelling piece of conscious music that refuses to compromise. Its artistic excellence has also been recognised on the international stage, with multiple awards already won and more nominations on the horizon.

Meet the Creative Powerhouse Behind Empty Grave

• Directed & Edited by: @timjooni
• Director of Photography: @nimbang__
• Production Design: @aa_fatawu
• Key Grip: @big_nabs
• Stylist: Rabiatu Abdul-Aziz
• Makeup: @kutidazzles_beauty_parlour
• Production Assistant: @salim_marlian
• BTS Coverage: @wun.yiko
• Title Card Design: @i.mreed

This success is not just a win for the team behind “Empty Grave”, but also for Northern Ghana, for independent artists, and for conscious creatives who dare to tell real stories through their art.

To every supporter who streamed, shared, and believed in this movement—thank you. You’ve helped write a new chapter in Ghanaian music history.

Congratulations to Isolirium Entertainment and the entire “Empty Grave” team! The world is watching—closely.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended Ghana for fulfilling its 2025 vaccine co-financing obligation of USD 24.5 million. This timely payment is expected to bolster Ghana’s immunisation programme significantly, improve child health outcomes, and strengthen the country’s health system.

A Major Milestone in Vaccine Financing

In a press statement signed by Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, UNICEF Representative in Ghana, the complete and timely payment marked a significant achievement in Ghana’s commitment to child health. The country’s efforts to return to pre-COVID-19 financing performance, despite previous economic delays, were praised. “I am proud to stand with the Government of Ghana in celebrating this important milestone,” Khogali stated, emphasising that the payment reflected the government’s prioritisation of child health.

Strengthening Immunisation and Preventing Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

This payment ensures the uninterrupted supply of vaccines, which is crucial for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases and maintaining herd immunity nationwide. UNICEF highlighted that this move would also support the introduction of new vaccines, contributing to a more comprehensive immunisation programme. This is especially important as Ghana works towards reducing the impact of diseases that can be easily prevented through vaccination.

Transitioning Towards Self-Financing Immunisation Services

The statement noted that the payment marks a key moment in Ghana’s Transition Roadmap towards self-financing immunisation services, as development assistance from international bodies like Gavi gradually declines. By fulfilling its vaccine financing obligations, Ghana is taking necessary steps towards greater autonomy in managing its immunisation programmes, which will lead to stronger long-term health security.

Ensuring Long-Term Vaccine Security

UNICEF urged the government to maintain the momentum by strengthening domestic financing mechanisms to ensure long-term vaccine security. Investing in vaccines, the statement emphasised, offers one of the highest returns in public health, noting that prevention through immunisation is far more cost-effective than treatment.

A Significant Win for Child Health

This move represents a significant return to form for Ghana, which had faced delays in 2022 due to economic challenges and increased co-financing demands. The timely payment reflects Ghana’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every child is vaccinated and protected. UNICEF reaffirmed its continued support to the government to achieve universal immunisation coverage and leave no child behind.

This timely financing commitment from Ghana underscores the importance of consistent investments in vaccines to build a healthier, more resilient generation. It serves as a model for other countries working towards similar goals in child health and immunisation.

The National Peace Council (NPC) has equipped community members in the Bawku West District with the tools and skills to foster peace and social cohesion. This initiative, part of the Improving the Economic Resilience of Host Communities for Peacebuilding in Northern Ghana project, involved a two-day capacity-building workshop for opinion leaders, minority groups, refugees, and youth. The training aimed to empower these individuals to resolve conflicts, promote tolerance, and build resilience against violent extremism in their communities.

Training for Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution – National Peace Council

A total of 24 participants from the communities of Sapeliga, Tarikom, and Widnaba attended the workshop, where they learned about peace, conflict analysis, dialogue, and mediation, as well as strategies for addressing violent extremism. The aim was to develop these individuals into peace champions who could lead conflict resolution efforts, promote social harmony, and help others understand the importance of peaceful co-existence.

“The presence of refugees and minority groups from different cultural backgrounds means that social dynamics are under pressure. For peaceful co-existence to be possible, we must build their capacity in conflict resolution and social cohesion,” said Mr. Damien A. Asobayire, Upper East Regional Executive Secretary of NPC. The project, funded by the United States Department of State, the UNDP, and the IOM, aims to empower local leaders to engage in peacebuilding efforts actively.

Addressing Social Tensions in Host Communities

Ms. Abigail Asana, a participant from Sapeliga, shared a personal story about the tensions between refugees and host community members, particularly regarding shared resources such as water. “There is no borehole for the refugees, so they depend on our community borehole. With the increased number of people, there’s always pressure on the borehole, causing discontent,” she explained.

Such situations, if not addressed, could easily lead to conflict. However, after the training, Ms. Asana felt better equipped to mediate and promote peaceful co-existence, with plans to share her newfound knowledge with her community.

Strengthening Social Cohesion and Unity

The workshop aimed to foster culturally diverse yet cohesive communities, where all groups, including youth, women, and minorities, can actively participate in maintaining peace and security. Mr. Isaac Anongwin, the Assemblyman of Tarikom, emphasised the importance of the knowledge gained in facilitating peace in his electoral area. “This training will help me to champion social cohesion in my community,” he said.

The participants were trained to be proactive in identifying early signs of conflict, allowing them to address potential issues before they escalate.

Early Warning Systems for Conflict Prevention

Mr. Ali Anankpieng, a facilitator and former Regional Executive Secretary of the NPC, emphasised the importance of being vigilant for early warning signs of conflict. He emphasised that the timely detection of these signs is crucial for preventing disputes and ensuring effective, constructive dialogue. “The ability to act early is crucial in preventing conflict and promoting peaceful resolution,” Anankpieng stated.

Empowering Local Communities for Long-Term Peace

The ultimate goal of this initiative is for participants to return to their communities and lead peacebuilding efforts, helping to identify and respond to conflicts before they escalate into crises. The NPC’s training program provides vital tools to support not just short-term conflict resolution, but also the development of long-term peace and social cohesion in the region.

By equipping community leaders and key figures with the knowledge and skills to promote peace, this project is laying the foundation for a more united and peaceful future in Bawku West.

World Vision Ghana has urged communities that benefited from the European Union-funded Landscapes and Environmental Agility across the Nation (EU-LEAN) project to take full ownership of the interventions and work towards sustaining the gains made. The project, which concluded in April 2025, was implemented by a consortium of organisations, including the Rainforest Alliance, Tropenbos Ghana, EcoCare Ghana, and World Vision Ghana, and focused on enhancing environmental sustainability and improving livelihoods across Ghana’s savannah, high forest, and transition zones.

Empowering Communities for Long-Term Sustainability

Speaking at the project’s close-out ceremony in Paga, Kassena-Nankana West District, Mr. Rexford Yamdorg Bugre, Regional Operations Manager for the Northern sector of World Vision Ghana, emphasised the importance of community ownership. “These areas of protection or conservation do not belong to World Vision; they are owned by the community, so sustain the gains made so that in years to come, you will benefit from these interventions,” he stated. He urged the communities to carry forward the lessons learned and maintain the environmental and economic improvements initiated by the project.

Restoring Degraded Land Through FMNR

One of the key approaches employed in the project was Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), an effective and low-cost technique for land and forest restoration. This method enables communities to restore degraded landscapes by managing and protecting existing trees and shrubs, which naturally regenerate. The technique has been instrumental in restoring 411 hectares of land in the Kassena-Nankana West and West Gonja Districts, improving soil fertility and increasing climate change resilience.

Through this process, smallholder farmers have gained the tools and knowledge to manage their natural resources sustainably, reduce bushfires, and improve their farming practices. This has not only helped in land restoration but also in enhancing the community’s resilience to climate change.

Alternative Livelihoods for Reduced Environmental Dependence

In addition to the environmental interventions, the EU-LEAN project introduced alternative livelihood options to reduce communities’ dependence on the environment for survival. One notable initiative was the distribution of 200 beehives and accessories to 171 smallholder farmers. This initiative, alongside the harvest of 51 gallons of honey, has generated income, with the honey valued at GH₡20,400.00. These initiatives have diversified the sources of income for families, contributing to their long-term economic stability.

Capacity Building for Smallholder Farmers

The project also focused on building the capacity of smallholder farmers. Approximately 500 farmers were trained in FMNR techniques, enabling them to enhance their agricultural productivity and adopt climate-resilient farming methods. The project’s efforts also included producing and planting 134,061 tree seedlings across the 50 participating communities. These efforts have made a significant contribution to the region’s environmental regeneration.

Financial Inclusion and Local Empowerment

An essential component of the EU-LEAN project was the establishment of 115 Saving for Transformation (S4T) groups. This local banking system allowed members to save and access small loans. More than GH₡1 million was saved, and over 2,800 people were able to access small loans, enabling them to address emergencies and expand their small businesses. This has promoted financial inclusion and empowered community members to improve their livelihoods.

Celebrating Success and Commitment to the Future

Mr. Robert Dampare, Chair of the LEAN Landscape Management Board in Kassena-Nankana West District, commended World Vision Ghana and its partners for their successful implementation of the project. He highlighted its positive impact on restoring degraded lands, improving food security, and boosting incomes in many communities. As the project concludes, stakeholders are hopeful that the community-driven interventions will continue to thrive, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for the regions involved.

World Vision Ghana’s focus on empowering communities and building long-term resilience through the EU-LEAN project is a model for sustainable development and environmental stewardship that can be replicated across other regions.

A total of 105 smallholder women farmers in Suke, Lambussie District, have received a crucial boost to their agricultural endeavours with the provision of certified seeds. The initiative, spearheaded by CAPECS Ghana in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana, and funded by the Governments of Denmark and Luxembourg, aims to empower vulnerable women farmers through climate-smart agriculture and sustainable livelihoods.

Empowering Women for Sustainable Agriculture – CAPECS Ghana

The initiative’s goal is to enhance food security in the region by providing women farmers with the necessary resources to adopt climate-resilient farming practices. The support package included certified seeds of maise, soybeans, and cowpeas, as well as organic manure, designed to enhance crop production and increase economic resilience.

Mr. Abu Dokuwie Alhassan, Executive Director of CAPECS Ghana, emphasised the importance of investing in women farmers. “Investing in women is key to unlocking innovative solutions that enhance productivity and ensure sustainable food security for all,” he remarked during the seed presentation ceremony.

Climate-Smart Agriculture for Resilience

This project aligns with CAPECS Ghana’s flagship initiative: “Boosting Women’s Economic Resilience and Inclusion in Decision-making and Peacebuilding.” It focuses on empowering women with the resources, skills, and knowledge necessary to thrive in climate-smart agriculture, addressing challenges like poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.

By enabling women to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, the initiative also aims to build long-term resilience against climate-related shocks.

Promoting Peace and Social Cohesion

Mr. Alhassan also highlighted the broader impact of the project, stressing that it would not only strengthen the livelihoods of women farmers but also foster peace and social cohesion within Suke and its surrounding areas. He noted, “I believe that this project will strengthen livelihoods, maintaining peace, and strengthening social cohesion within Suke and its environs.”

Through these initiatives, CAPECS Ghana is working to create a more peaceful and cooperative community, where women play a central role in driving development.

A Commitment to Empowerment and Peacebuilding

CAPECS Ghana’s commitment extends beyond agriculture, with a focus on empowering women to play a pivotal role in peacebuilding and local decision-making. Mr. Alhassan reiterated, “CAPECS Ghana and its partners are committed to empowering and building women’s capacity to play a crucial role in the development of communities and ensure peaceful co-existence to curb violent menace.”

Gratitude and Commitment to Food Security

The women beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the support, pledging to use the resources to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national food security. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of empowering women, enhancing agricultural productivity, and ensuring sustainable food systems for the future.

Through this strategic partnership, CAPECS Ghana, UNDP, and their partners are driving lasting change in Suke, fostering stronger, more resilient communities while also contributing to national agricultural development.

The 2025 PANAFEST and Emancipation Day celebrations took place from July 18 to 19 at the Pikworo Slave Camp in Paga, Upper East Region, under the theme “Let Us Speak of Reparative Justice – Pan-African Artistic Activism.” This two-day event not only paid tribute to Africa’s painful history but also called for justice, healing, and a renewed commitment to the African diaspora’s cultural and artistic roots.

A Tribute to Africa’s Enduring History

The event highlighted Africa’s enduring history of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the continued struggle for reparative justice. One of the major highlights was a symbolic walk from Navrongo to Paga, alongside cultural performances and exhibitions. The night vigil was particularly moving, as it honoured the enslaved ancestors who endured unimaginable suffering. A grand durbar brought together traditional leaders, diaspora communities, students, and government officials to reflect on the continent’s painful past and advocate for reparative justice.

Urgent Call for Preservation of Heritage Sites

Wisdom Korbla Ahadzi, the Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, emphasised the urgent need to protect and preserve the Pikworo heritage site. “We need urgent government support to protect this heritage site. A fence wall and improved infrastructure will go a long way to enhance heritage tourism and education,” he stated. This reflects the region’s ongoing efforts to preserve and showcase its rich cultural history while fostering educational opportunities.

Supporting Creative Industries and Youth Engagement

Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga called on all stakeholders to deepen partnerships in cultural education and support the creative arts sector. He urged: “Let us use this moment to support creative industries, engage the youth, and build stronger ties with the African diaspora.” Atanga’s call underscores the significance of cultural education and the creative industries in the region’s development and beyond.

A Celebration of Culture and Tradition

The festival featured a vibrant mix of attendees, including political figures, educators, clergy, students, and members of the general public. The celebration grounds came alive with traditional food vendors, art exhibitions, and cultural performances, especially from local schoolchildren, showcasing the region’s rich heritage and creative talent.

Honouring the Past with Unity and Hope

The event concluded with a solemn procession to the burial site of enslaved persons, where wreath-laying ceremonies and traditional rites were held. This act of remembrance, unity, and hope served as a powerful symbol for future generations, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging the past while working toward a united, culturally rich future.

The 2025 PANAFEST and Emancipation Day celebrations were not only a tribute to the resilience and strength of the African diaspora but also a clarion call to support and uplift the creative industries, engage the youth, and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

The Bolgatanga basket-weaving industry, once a thriving source of livelihood for over 100,000 people across the Upper East Region, is now on the verge of collapse. Rising production costs, an unstable exchange rate, and a lack of strategic policy interventions have left the industry grappling for survival. Stakeholders are sounding alarms about the urgent need for national action.

Rising Costs Threaten Bolgatanga Basket Industry’s Survival

During a recent stakeholders’ forum in Bolgatanga, Mawuli Akpenyo, CEO of Delata Ghana, expressed grave concern about the industry’s future. He pointed out that the rapid depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi has made baskets unaffordable for buyers. “A few months ago, $10 translated to about GHS150. Today, that same $10 is barely GHS100. Meanwhile, the cost of producing a quality Bolga basket has risen to GHS120 or more,” he explained. This sharp increase in costs is primarily driven by surging prices for raw materials, including straw, which has doubled from GHS 10 to GHS 20 per bundle. Additionally, transportation and packaging expenses have further inflated production costs.

Akpenyo stressed the unsustainability of the situation, as producers are now working at a loss, unable to raise prices abroad, where many of the baskets are sold. Without urgent intervention, the industry is at risk of total collapse.

Exchange Rate Volatility Disrupts Exports

Morten Ledskov, an international buyer from Hammershus Company, added his voice to the growing concerns, citing the sharp appreciation of the cedi—from 17 to 12 per Euro—as a significant disruption to exports. “If this continues, there could be a complete halt in Bolga basket production,” Ledskov warned, underscoring the urgency of finding a sustainable solution to the exchange rate crisis. He suggested that local straw cultivation should be commercialised as a way to reduce the dependency on sourcing from southern Ghana, providing a more stable and regional supply chain.

A Call for Local Straw Cultivation

Ledskov’s call for local investors to treat straw farming as a viable enterprise is echoed by others in the industry. Instead of relying solely on donor-funded initiatives, he advocates for a market-driven approach to straw farming, which could help stabilise the supply chain and lower costs. “If people can sell dyes, why not straw?” he asked, urging a shift towards commercialising local production.

Government Action and Policy Support

Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga acknowledged the seriousness of the crisis and stressed the need for a coordinated national response. He proposed the establishment of quality assurance centres, semi-industrial finishing hubs, and policy support for sustainable straw cultivation to help stabilise the industry. “This craft is a source of livelihood for over 10,000 women and youth. If we don’t act now, the industry could collapse,” Atanga warned.

Ensuring a Stable Supply Chain for the Future

Conrad Biilarh Duti, Program Manager at TradeAID Integrated, also addressed the challenges facing straw sourcing. Traders often face long delays in acquiring sufficient quantities of straw, making it difficult to maintain production schedules. Duti recommended integrating straw cultivation into national programs, such as Tree for Life and One District One Dam, to ensure a stable and sustainable supply of this critical raw material.

Urgent Call for Policy and Investment

As the crisis deepens, stakeholders are calling on the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), policymakers, and private investors to step in and save the Bolgatanga basket industry. The sector, a cornerstone of Ghana’s craft export industry, plays a vital role in the cultural heritage and economic well-being of the Upper East Region. Without immediate action, the future of this iconic industry remains uncertain, posing a threat to the livelihoods of thousands of people and Ghana’s craft export sector.