The Duamenefa Foundation has officially apologised to a family over alleged defamatory remarks made by a petitioner during investigations into a family dispute originating from Dzodze-Kuli in the Volta Region.
In a public statement, the Foundation expressed regret over the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to peacebuilding, responsible public conduct, and professionalism in conflict resolution.
According to the Foundation, the petition involved a dispute within the Tega family over properties believed to belong to their late parents.
The petitioners, Atsu Tega and Atsufui Tega, alleged that they had been suffering from spiritual attacks allegedly orchestrated by their younger brother, David Tega, over disagreements concerning the ownership and control of family properties.
Following receipt of the petition, the Foundation commenced investigations aimed at helping resolve the conflict and ensuring the safety of those involved. The petitioners were first engaged and allowed to publicly present details of their grievances and allegations.
In the spirit of fairness and transparency, the Foundation also provided Mr. David Tega the opportunity to respond to the accusations levelled against him.
After hearing from both sides, the Foundation facilitated a joint interaction between the parties to clarify issues raised in the petition and provide the public with a better understanding of the dispute.
During the discussion, the Executive President of the Foundation, Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe, repeatedly urged the petitioners to remain focused on the spiritual allegations contained in the petition.
However, according to the Foundation, one of the petitioners, Mr. Atsu Tega, repeatedly deviated from the matters under investigation despite several cautions from the Executive President.
The Foundation stated that during the interaction, the petitioner allegedly made remarks considered defamatory against another family.
As a result of the development, the Foundation immediately terminated the call session and subsequently announced the suspension of investigations into the petition.
Mr. Evortepe later declared that the Duamenefa Foundation had permanently withdrawn from handling the matter, citing the petitioner’s alleged refusal to comply with the rules and procedures governing the Foundation’s mediation and investigative processes.
Following the decision, Mr. Evortepe announced that both the Duamenefa Foundation and Fafaa FM fully dissociate themselves from the alleged remarks made against the affected family.
He stressed that the comments do not reflect the values, intentions, or position of either the Foundation or the radio station.
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Mr. Evortepe rendered an official apology to the affected family, describing the incident as unfortunate, unexpected, and deeply regrettable.
According to him, the Foundation had no prior indication that the discussion would take such a direction.
He further expressed disappointment over the conduct of the petitioner, revealing that several warnings had been issued for him to remain focused on the issues contained in the petition and avoid making unrelated statements.
Despite the repeated cautions, the petitioner allegedly ignored the directives and proceeded to make comments considered offensive against the family in question.
Mr. Evortepe strongly condemned the conduct and once again extended a humble apology to the affected family on behalf of the Duamenefa Foundation.
He also appealed to the public not to attach credibility to the alleged comments made during the interaction, insisting that the statements should be disregarded since the matter in question had not been formally brought before the Foundation for investigation.
Mr. Evortepe reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to professionalism, fairness, and responsible conflict resolution in all matters brought before the organisation.
According to him, the Foundation’s primary objective remains the peaceful mediation of disputes and the protection of the wellbeing and safety of individuals and families within communities.
He further advised members of the public appearing before the Foundation to exercise restraint and maintain respect during public interactions, especially in matters involving family disputes and sensitive allegations.
Mr. Evortepe noted that disagreements over inheritance and family property should not escalate into personal attacks, accusations, or statements capable of damaging the reputation of individuals or families.
The Foundation further assured the public that although it has withdrawn from the current petition, it remains committed to promoting peace, unity, and justice within society.
He encouraged families facing disputes to pursue lawful and peaceful means of conflict resolution while avoiding actions and utterances likely to deepen tensions or create unnecessary public controversy.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze