For Immediate Release
Dzodze, Volta Region, Ghana
The attention of FAFAA 100.3 FM and its social intervention non-profit organisation, the Duamenefa Foundation, has been drawn to a video circulating on social media in which a woman identified as Amegashie Amemanorshinya Tuglo laments the demolition of her property by traditional authorities to make way for the proposed government flagship 24-Hour Economy Market.
In the video, Amegashie claims she contacted FAFAA 100.3 FM for intervention, submitted documents for verification of ownership, and expected the station to help resolve the matter. She expresses disappointment that the anticipated intervention did not produce her desired outcome.
FAFAA 100.3 FM and the Duamenefa Foundation sympathise with Amegashie over her predicament and sincerely hope that the appropriate state authorities will help her obtain a fair and satisfactory resolution.
However, the organisations wish to clarify that, upon receiving her complaint, the station undertook preliminary checks, including examining the documents she presented, and sought a response from Togbiga Addogo Agbalekpor IV, Paramount Chief of the Ave Hevi Traditional Council.
According to the explanation provided by the Paramount Chief, the property was among several structures marked for demolition to facilitate the establishment of the proposed 24-Hour Economy Market. He further indicated that arrangements had been made to relocate affected occupants and that a two-bedroom apartment had been constructed for Amegashie. However, she reportedly considered the accommodation inadequate compared with the property affected.
Following the explanation received, FAFAA 100.3 FM referred Amegashie to the relevant District Assembly and the Ghana Police Service for further assistance and investigation, where appropriate. Matters involving disputed property ownership, alleged wrongdoing or other legal claims must be addressed through the competent authorities and, where necessary, a court of competent jurisdiction.
FAFAA 100.3 FM and the Duamenefa Foundation wish to emphasise that their mandate is to promote public education, peaceful coexistence, advocacy and social intervention through collaboration with relevant stakeholders and lawful institutions, in accordance with the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and applicable laws.
For the past 16 years, the station and its social intervention partner have worked with a volunteer movement comprising more than 49,000 people across communities in the Volta Region and beyond. The organisations have also recorded interventions credited with saving more than 749 lives.
These achievements notwithstanding, FAFAA 100.3 FM and the Duamenefa Foundation do not exercise the statutory powers of the Police, traditional authorities, District Assemblies or the courts. Their role is to facilitate dialogue, educate the public, advocate for peaceful solutions and intervene within their legitimate mandate.
While expressing concern for Amegashie’s situation, the organisations wish to respectfully dissociate themselves from any suggestion that they possess the authority to prevent every demolition or determine disputed property claims. The station’s involvement does not constitute a guarantee of a particular outcome.
We therefore encourage Amegashie to pursue the appropriate administrative and legal channels to seek redress. FAFAA 100.3 FM and the Duamenefa Foundation remain committed to fairness, peace, accountability and the protection of human dignity.
FAFAA 100.3 FM and the Duamenefa Foundation will continue to collaborate with lawful institutions and relevant stakeholders to save lives, promote peaceful coexistence and serve the public, without acting outside their mandate.
Signed:
Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe
Executive President, Duamenefa Foundation
Chief Executive Officer, FAFAA 100.3 FM
Dzodze, Volta Region, Ghana