The Minister-Designate for the Northeast Region, Tia Ibrahim, of Ghana, has provided 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 elaborated on the camp’s historical significance, origins, and its dual role as a place of refuge and controversy.

Ibrahim explained that the Gambaga Witches Camp was established as a sanctuary to protect accused individuals from being harmed or killed, offering them an alternative to the violent repercussions often faced in their communities.

He noted that in the past, such accusations frequently led to brutal killings, and the camp became a haven for those ostracised due to these 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.”