The Duamenefa Foundation has called on members of the public to allow it to conduct its investigations and social interventions independently, without pressure and interference
The Executive President of the Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, made the appeal during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme on Fafaa 100.3 FM.
According to Mr. Evortepe, the caution follows instances where individuals involved in matters before the Foundation have attempted to influence the manner in which investigations should be conducted or determine the outcome they expect.
He stressed that although the Foundation respects the views, concerns and rights of all parties who appear before it, no individual should dictate the procedures it uses in investigating a matter.
Mr. Evortepe explained that the Foundation follows established principles and procedures in handling petitions and interventions, with the aim of ensuring that matters are addressed fairly and responsibly.
He said the Foundation welcomes relevant information, evidence and concerns from members of the public because such contributions can assist in establishing the facts.
However, he emphasised that providing information is different from directing the Foundation on what action it must take.
According to him, the responsibility of the Foundation is to listen to all sides, examine the information presented, engage relevant stakeholders and determine the appropriate course of action based on the facts gathered.
Mr. Evortepe cited the ongoing matter involving the self-proclaimed prophetess, Madam Agbeyeye, as one of the situations that had prompted the Foundation to reiterate its position.
He said during the Foundation’s interaction with Madam Agbeyeye concerning allegations raised against her, she allegedly attempted to direct how the engagement should be conducted and how the matter should be handled.
The Executive President stressed that Madam Agbeyeye, like every other party involved in an investigation, has the right to respond to allegations, explain her position and raise concerns about the process.
However, he maintained that she cannot determine the procedures the Foundation should use in conducting its investigation.
He assured that the Foundation would give Madam Agbeyeye and all other relevant parties a fair opportunity to present their respective accounts.
Mr. Evortepe further stated that the Foundation would not allow pressure from individuals or groups to determine the direction or outcome of an investigation.
He explained that the purpose of an intervention is to understand the circumstances surrounding a matter, establish the facts as far as possible and explore appropriate avenues for addressing the concerns raised.
The Executive President also cautioned the public against reaching conclusions based solely on allegations, social media discussions or one-sided accounts.
He noted that premature judgments could unfairly damage the reputation of individuals and make the resolution of disputes more difficult.
He therefore emphasised that the Foundation’s involvement in a matter should not automatically be interpreted as a declaration that any person involved is guilty or innocent before the relevant facts have been properly examined.
Mr. Evortepe said the Foundation would continue to give all parties the opportunity to explain themselves and would consider relevant information before deciding on the appropriate course of action.
The current matter involving Madam Agbeyeye has attracted public attention following her claim that she received a revelation from God and subsequently travelled from the Greater Accra Region to Tadzewu in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region.
Madam Agbeyeye has also disclosed that she is a member of the ARS Church. Following the disclosure, the Duamenefa Foundation intends to engage the leadership of the church as part of its efforts to obtain further information and hear from the relevant religious authorities.
The Foundation has also indicated that it intends to examine the alleged revelation using biblical principles and Christian ethics.
Mr. Evortepe explained that engaging the relevant stakeholders would help the Foundation approach the matter responsibly rather than rely on assumptions or information circulating among the public.
He reiterated that all relevant parties should be given an opportunity to speak and that the Foundation’s assessment should be based on information obtained through its own investigations and engagements.
He therefore appealed to the public to allow the Foundation to perform its responsibilities without undue interference.
He encouraged members of the public to continue providing relevant information and raising legitimate concerns but cautioned them against attempting to dictate the investigative process or demanding a predetermined outcome.
Mr. Evortepe reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to responsible social intervention, dialogue, fairness and ethical engagement.
He said the Foundation would continue to work with individuals, religious bodies and, where necessary, appropriate state institutions in addressing matters that fall within its area of intervention.
He also encouraged parties involved in disputes and allegations to remain calm and cooperate with established processes instead of resorting to confrontation or public accusations.
According to him, successful intervention requires openness from all sides, respect for the process and a willingness to allow the facts to emerge before conclusions are reached.
The Executive President assured the public that the Duamenefa Foundation would continue to carry out its responsibilities with independence and fairness while adhering to the principles and procedures guiding its investigations and interventions.
He urged members of the public to exercise patience and allow the Foundation to complete its engagements before forming final opinions on matters under investigation.
Mr. Evortepe reiterated that the Foundation will listen to the public, consider relevant information and engage appropriate stakeholders, but will not allow individuals to dictate how its investigations and interventions should be conducted.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Edited by Isabella Evortepe