A blind man resident of Anloga-Avume in the Anlo District of the Volta Region has petitioned the Duamenefa Foundation to investigate claims that locating the grave of his grandfather, who was buried more than six decades ago, could play a role in restoring his sight.
The petitioner, Mr. Fiati Felix, is seeking the Foundation’s intervention to establish the facts surrounding the claim and help find a resolution to his situation.
According to Mr. Felix, the matter originated from a family dispute over a parcel of land. A family member, Mr. Kwashie Lionpi, allegedly attempted to sell family property, resulting in disagreements among family members.
He explained that shortly after the dispute emerged, he began experiencing severe eye pain, which eventually led to the complete loss of his sight. Despite seeking treatment from several medical facilities, he said his condition did not improve.
Mr. Felix further stated that he later consulted traditional practitioners, who allegedly linked his blindness to the family dispute over the land.
According to him, the issue was subsequently reported to traditional authorities, who invited Mr. Kwashie Lonpi to appear before them. However, Mr. Kwashie Lionpi reportedly failed to honour the summons.
Mr. Felix claimed that subsequent consultations with traditional oracles suggested that regaining his sight would require locating the grave of his grandfather, who was buried past sixty years.
The petitioner expressed concern about the practical challenges associated with such a task. He explained that his grandfather was buried more than 60 years ago and that there are no visible structures or markers to identify the exact burial location.
He also noted that the family previously lived in a coastal area affected by sea erosion, which has reportedly destroyed or washed away many old graves over the years, making it even more difficult to determine the location of his grandfather’s final resting place.
Mr. Felix appealed to the Duamenefa Foundation for urgent assistance, stating that his blindness has significantly affected his ability to support his wife and six children.
The case has attracted attention within Anloga-Avume and neighbouring communities, where residents have expressed differing opinions regarding the claims. While some view the matter through the lens of traditional beliefs and family history, others believe it raises important questions that require careful investigation and verification.
Community members have also expressed concern for the welfare of Mr. Felix and his family, highlighting the challenges associated with living with visual impairment while providing for a household.
Some residents have called on traditional authorities, family elders, social welfare organizations, and other stakeholders to work together in finding a peaceful and lasting resolution to the matter.
Responding to the petition, the Duamenefa Foundation assured the public that it would examine the petition thoroughly and engage all relevant parties as part of its inquiry.
The Foundation also appealed to Mr. Lionpi to assist with efforts aimed at establishing the facts.
According to the Foundation, disputes involving family land and inheritance often become complex and emotionally charged, sometimes resulting in long-standing tensions among relatives if not addressed promptly and fairly.
The organization emphasized the importance of distinguishing between personal beliefs, cultural interpretations, and verifiable facts when dealing with matters involving health conditions and family disputes.
It further stressed that cooperation among medical professionals, traditional authorities, community leaders, and family members is essential in resolving complex cases and ensuring that affected individuals receive appropriate support and guidance.
The Foundation also encouraged community leaders to strengthen mediation efforts in land and inheritance disputes to prevent conflicts from escalating into prolonged disagreements and allegations of spiritual attacks
Reaffirming its commitment to justice, fairness, and peaceful conflict resolution, the Duamenefa Foundation assured the public that the petition would be handled diligently, transparently, and in accordance with its mandate to promote peace and social harmony within communities.
By Hutor Dziwornu
Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Edited by Isabella Evortepe