Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, has called on all religious groups and institutions in Ghana to ensure that their practices conform to the Constitution of Ghana and other applicable laws of the country.
Speaking on the airwaves of Fafaa 100.3 FM during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme, Mr. Evortepe stressed that no religious group is above the law and, therefore, every religious practice must be carried out within the confines of the Constitution.
According to him, the call has become necessary following a petition received by the Duamenefa Foundation from a resident of the Devego-Xipe community concerning a summons letter she allegedly received from the Nogokpo Shrine.
He explained that, according to the petitioner, the summons was related to a family dispute between the parties involved. She alleged that the summons letter did not pass through the appropriate traditional authorities and that its contents contained words she perceived as threats.
Mr. Evortepe said that after receiving the petition, the Duamenefa Foundation engaged the parties involved as well as relevant stakeholders in an effort to understand the circumstances surrounding the matter and find an appropriate way of addressing the concerns raised.
He said during the engagement, Mr. Patrick Dunyo of the Centre for National Culture Directorate in Ketu South provided public education on the matter and explained the legal and constitutional implications of the alleged practice.
According to Mr. Evortepe, the education provided by the relevant authority made it clear that the alleged actions of the Nogokpo Shrine were contrary to the Constitution of Ghana.
He said such practices would not help promote peace, unity and social cohesion in communities and must therefore be stopped immediately.
Mr. Evortepe stressed that religious freedom does not give any religious institution the right to operate outside the laws of Ghana. He said every religious organisation has a responsibility to respect the rights and freedoms of other people and ensure that its activities do not undermine peace and security.
He further recalled an instance involving a particular church in the Akatsi South Municipality in the Volta Region, where the church was allegedly engaged in practices which were described by lawful agencies as being contrary to the Constitution of Ghana. He said the church was subsequently shut down.
Using the example, he emphasised that the same principles of accountability and respect for the law must apply to all religious institutions, irrespective of their beliefs, influence or traditional background.
He explained that although the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and allows individuals to practise their faith, such freedoms must be exercised within the limits of the law and with respect for the rights of others.
The Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation therefore urged religious leaders, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to educate their followers on the need to resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means.
He cautioned against practices that could create fear, intimidation or conflict within communities, stressing that religious and traditional institutions have an important role to play in maintaining peace and promoting harmonious coexistence.
Mr. Evortepe reiterated that no religious practice is above the Constitution and called on all religious groups to ensure that their activities are consistent with the laws of Ghana.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze