The Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, has clarified that the Foundation is not a court of competent jurisdiction and does not have the authority to issue judicial judgments or determine cases in the manner of a court.
He made this clarification on the airwaves of Fafaa 100.3 FM during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme.
According to Mr. Evortepe, the Foundation’s role is to receive petitions, investigate allegations brought before it and engage relevant stakeholders in an effort to establish the facts and seek peaceful and lawful solutions to disputes.
He explained that the Foundation does not operate outside Ghana’s legal framework but collaborates with appropriate state institutions when matters require legal or judicial intervention.
Mr. Evortepe said the Foundation pays particular attention to allegations involving harmful spiritual practices and other issues that could potentially endanger human lives. He stressed, however, that allegations must not automatically be treated as established facts.
He noted that investigations are conducted to provide clarity on reported matters and to enable the appropriate authorities to better understand the circumstances surrounding each case.
The Executive President further highlighted the important role of traditional rulers in resolving disputes within their traditional areas. He said the Foundation works closely with traditional authorities because of their knowledge of the communities and their position as key stakeholders in local dispute resolution.
According to him, collaboration among the Foundation, traditional rulers, families, community members and state institutions is essential to establishing the truth and preventing situations that could put lives at risk.
Mr. Evortepe emphasised that the Foundation’s interventions are not intended to replace the courts, the police or any other state institution. Rather, he said, the Foundation seeks to complement the work of these institutions by investigating reported allegations, engaging the parties involved and referring matters to the appropriate authorities where necessary.
He explained that where an investigation points to a possible criminal offence or any matter requiring legal action, the Foundation cannot assume the functions of the court. Instead, it will collaborate with the relevant state institution to ensure that the appropriate legal processes are followed.
He also stressed the importance of fairness during investigations, saying individuals accused of wrongdoing must be given the opportunity to respond to allegations against them.
According to him, hearing all sides of a dispute is necessary to prevent unfair conclusions and ensure that investigations are conducted responsibly.
Mr. Evortepe called on members of the public who have information concerning alleged harmful spiritual practices or other matters requiring intervention to come forward and provide relevant information to the Foundation.
He assured the public that such allegations would be investigated carefully before any conclusions or recommendations were made.
He further stated that where the facts of a case require the involvement of the police, courts or other state institutions, the Foundation would work with those institutions in accordance with the laws of Ghana.
Mr. Evortepe reiterated that the Duamenefa Foundation is not a court and has no intention of performing the functions of the judiciary.
He said its mandate is to investigate, engage stakeholders, facilitate dialogue, promote peaceful resolution of disputes and collaborate with the appropriate authorities to protect lives and the interests of individuals and communities.
He concluded that the Foundation would continue to work with traditional rulers and relevant state institutions to address reported cases while ensuring that matters requiring legal action are handled through the appropriate lawful channels.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Edited by Isabella Evortepe