Tia Ibrahim, the Minister-Designate for the Northeast Region of Ghana, shared a thought-provoking perspective on the Gambaga Witches Camp, a settlement for individuals accused of witchcraft.
During his vetting before the Appointments Committee on Monday, January 27, Ibrahim discussed the camp’s historical significance and origins, highlighting its dual role as both a sanctuary and a subject of controversy.
He explained that the Gambaga Witches Camp was established to provide protection for accused individuals, offering them a refuge from harm or death, as they often faced violent repercussions in their communities. Ibrahim noted that in the past, accusations of witchcraft frequently resulted in brutal killings, making the camp a safe haven for those ostracized due to such allegations.
“The history of the Gambaga witches camp is very interesting. Initially, they used to kill alleged witches and the then Imam condemned the killings and proposed that they are sent to the traditional priest who had the powers to neutralise the witchery and that was when they stopped the killings.
“So the Gambaga witches camp served as a home for the witches and so when you get there and it proves that you are not a witch, they allow you to go back but if it turns otherwise, then you remain there and then he uses his spiritual powers to neutralise the witchery in the witch.”
