The Gambaga Alleged Witches Camp is facing a critical humanitarian crisis. Currently, more than 70 women cast out from their communities due to witchcraft allegations reside at the camp alongside over 30 of their children and grandchildren.
The facility is now struggling to provide even the most basic necessities. Camp manager, Sampson Larry, reports that the facility is facing shortages of food, adequate accommodation and essential hygiene supplies.
According to him these women are living in a state of extreme vulnerability, and the lack of resources is putting their health and safety at risk.
The struggle is further compounded by the absence of state support. Managers lamented that vital assistance from the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme has failed to reach the camp for the past six months.
This has left the residents without any support forcing them to live in overcrowded and uncomfortable conditions.
Beyond the lack of physical resources, the residents face the constant threat of external aggression. The stigma associated with these allegations leaves them isolated and fearful for their lives.
“We are calling on the government to do something about it, more importantly, we need policies and interventions that will finally address and end the practice of anti-witchcraft allegations in our communities. The women themselves are tired, you see one of them questioning why it has to always be women? Sampson added.
In response to these mounting concerns, the North East Region branch of the Police Women Association recently visited the camp to provide aid and assess the security situation.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Gaanu Edith, emphasized that while the police are committed to providing a protective presence, physical security is only part of the solution.
“We are here to ensure these women are shielded from harm. However, we must also focus on intensive community education to dismantle the belief systems that fuel these accusations. We need a society where no one is forced to flee their home because of such allegations.”
As the situation at the Gambaga camp worsens, the call for both immediate humanitarian relief and long-term social reform grows louder. For now, the women are voiceless hoping for the support they need to survive.
By Solomon Kwame Kanaluwe
