The National Commission on Culture (NCC) has admonished traditional leaders to take steps at ending bad cultural practices in communities.

It has warned the general public to refrain from the habit of labelling the elderly as witches without any shred of empirical evidence.

Madam Janet Edna Nyame, Executive Director NCC, in a statement, condemning the inhumane act meted out to the 90-year old grandmother, Madam Akua Denteh, urged the police and the judiciary to provide justice.

“We are happy the so-called priestess at the centre of this criminal act has been arrested by the police while other accomplices have surrendered to the law. It is our hope that justice will be served expeditiously. This barbaric and dastardly act should not happen to anyone,” she said.

The commission further advised pastors and soothsayers not to “stand on unrealistic circumstance and unsubstantiated allegations to label people especially the aged as witches or wizards.” 

“Old age has no relationship with witchcraft; if, indeed, it exists. We must rid ourselves of this misconception that compels some individuals to neglect the aged. Old age is not a curse but a blessing,” Madam Nyame added.

She noted that the aged must be allowed to depart the earth “in a peaceful manner” not under “traumatic and gruesome situations,” emphasising that “our rich traditions frown upon instant and mob injustice.”

By Spectator Reporter