The Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, has called on Voodoo practitioners and shrine operators to respect the constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals and refrain from actions that may create fear, panic or intimidation.
Mr. Evortepe made the call during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme on Fafaa 100.3 FM, following an alleged incident involving a shrine at Nogokpo in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.
According to him, the Constitution of Ghana guarantees every individual the right to practise and profess a religion or belief of their choice. However, he stressed that such freedom must not be exercised in a manner that threatens, intimidates, harms or disturbs the rights of another person.
He explained that the Foundation became concerned after an alleged dispute between two individuals was reportedly taken to a shrine, which subsequently issued a summons inviting one of the parties to appear before it.
Mr. Evortepe said the alleged summons indicated that failure to honour the invitation could attract consequences. He added that the woman involved has reportedly claimed that she began experiencing ill health after receiving the letter.
He described the alleged development as unfortunate and stressed that disputes should be resolved through lawful and peaceful channels rather than through actions that could cause fear or intimidation.
The Executive President further stated that traditional rulers have recognised roles in community arbitration and mediation and encouraged disputing parties to seek the assistance of traditional authorities, relevant institutions and other legally recognised bodies.
He urged Voodoo practitioners and shrine operators to operate within the laws of Ghana and respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons.
Mr. Evortepe also appealed to traditional and community leaders to educate their people on peaceful dispute resolution and discourage practices that could escalate conflicts or create unnecessary tension within communities.
He emphasised that the Duamenefa Foundation is not opposed to the freedom of individuals to practise their religion, faith or traditional beliefs. Rather, he said, the Foundation’s concern is to ensure that such freedoms are exercised in a manner that respects the rights of others and the laws of Ghana.
He encouraged persons who feel threatened or intimidated by summons, threats or actions from individuals or groups to report such matters to the appropriate authorities for investigation and redress.
Mr. Evortepe reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, constitutional rights and peaceful coexistence among people regardless of their religious, cultural or traditional backgrounds.
He called for increased public education on constitutional rights and responsibilities, stressing that peaceful coexistence requires mutual respect and the use of lawful mechanisms to resolve disagreements.
He further urged individuals involved in disputes to consider mediation, arbitration and other lawful means of resolving their differences instead of taking the law into their own hands.
Mr. Evortepe concluded by appealing to Ghanaians to respect one another and work together to protect peace, unity and national development.
By Hutor Dziwornu
Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Edited by Isabella Evortepe