The Tega family of Dzodze-Kuli, in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region is entangled in a long standing family feud, causing unrest within the community.
Madam Atsufui Tega and Mr. Atsu Tega,members of the Tega family petitioned the Duamenefa Foundation to investigate and intervene to save the family from allegations of Juju charms and black powder attack by one Mr. David Tega. Madam Atsufui claimed David is using spiritual means to cause her illness, a condition she claims has left her critically affected and she is currently battling severe health challenges.
Following the petition, Duamenefa launched an investigation into the matter. Preliminary findings indicated that the siblings have been in a prolonged dispute over land and family properties, which is believed to be the main cause of the conflict. Efforts by the traditional ruler of Dzodze-Kuli, Togbi Avorkliya V, to resolve the matter reportedly did not yield the desire results. The matter was later referred to the traditional arbitration court of Togbi Vodzi V, of Dzodze Fiagbedu, but the misunderstanding persist, hence the petition to the Duamenefa Foundation for intervention.
As part of the ongoing inquiry, the Executive President of Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, engaged the twin brother of Madam Atsufui, Mr. Atsu Tega, to provide further insight into the dispute. He alleged that their younger brother, Mr. David Tega, had been causing fear and panic within the family through spiritual manipulation and orchestrations
According to him, Mr. David Tega allegedly brought spiritualists into the family house on several occasions to perform rituals. He further claimed that at one point, he was taken to a location where a traditional priest handed Mr. David Tega a substance wrapped in paper, described as black powder. He stated that upon returning home, Mr. David Tega allegedly divided the substance into two and gave him a portion, which he claims he discarded.
He also alleged that Mr. David Tega is responsible for the death of their younger sister, Doe Tega, among other serious accusations.
These claims point to a deeply divided family, with tensions that have persisted for years. Duamenefa Foundation subsequently reached out to Mr. David Tega to respond to the allegations. In his response, he denied the allegations levelled against him but confirmed that there is a serious dispute within the family. He presented a different version of events, insisting that the situation has been misrepresented by some family members.
Having both parties appear on the same platform during the engagement, it was observed that they exchanged greetings for the first time in over five years, reflecting the prolonged breakdown in communication between them. The moment highlighted the depth of the rift, while also serving as a rare sign of possible openness to dialogue.
Community and security sources in Dzodze-Kuli have expressed concern over the prolonged nature of the dispute, noting that it has at times affected calm within parts of the area. Residents say they are hopeful that the ongoing intervention will bring a final resolution and restore unity within the family.
The Duamenefa Foundation has indicated that it will continue to engage all parties involved, including family elders and opinion leaders, as part of its structured investigation and reconciliation process. It emphasized that both traditional and peaceful conflict-resolution methods will be applied where necessary, provided there is cooperation from all sides.
Some residents and observers in the community are also questioning how the disagreement escalated to the point where siblings reportedly remained in a non-speaking relationship for several years, describing the situation as deeply unfortunate and unusual, and calling for a thorough resolution of underlying issues.
During the investigations, it was discovered that the dispute stems from inherited family properties. The Duamenefa Foundation further reached out to the directorate of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to provide clarity on the legal dimensions of the matter. Mr. Noah, speaking on behalf of CHRAJ, explained that Ghana’s legal framework provides guidance on such inheritance-related disputes. He referenced provisions under the PNDC Law 111 of 1985, noting that the law clearly outlines processes for addressing issues relating to intestate succession and family property distribution.
The Foundation, which is established to promote peaceful coexistence in communities, has assured the public that the dispute will be resolved through its ongoing investigation and intervention efforts. It reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to including the traditional rulers to restore unity among the siblings in Dzodze-Kuli
This is a developing story. The Duamenefa Foundation’s primary objective remains to ensure that the family is fully reconciled and freed from the long-standing dispute, restoring lasting peace, unity, and understanding among all parties involved.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 Fm,Dzodze
Edited by: Emmanuella Isabella Evortepe, UEW – Fafaa 100.3 Fm, Dzodze