The Duamenefa Foundation has cautioned the public against invoking the wrath of the gods in resolving disputes or personal grievances, describing the practice as unlawful and inconsistent with the laws of Ghana.
According to the Foundation, such actions have the potential to escalate tensions within communities and undermine recognised legal and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms.
The caution was issued by the Executive President of the Foundation, Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe, during a live broadcast of the Foundation’s Social Intervention Programme on Fafaa FM.
Mr. Evortepe stated that invoking spiritual forces or the wrath of the gods as a means of seeking justice is not recognised under Ghana’s legal system and could constitute a criminal offence under the Constitution of Ghana.
He referenced the controversy linked to the Afife Agamefe Shrine and the Agortime-Ziope matter, where it was alleged that a woman invoked the wrath of the gods following the burning of her house. Subsequent reports of deaths connected to the incident sparked public concern and debate.
According to Mr. Evortepe, although the victim may have acted out of emotional distress and frustration, the law does not permit individuals to seek justice through spiritual pronouncements or supernatural means.
He stressed that grievances and disputes must be addressed through lawful judicial processes or recognised traditional mechanisms that operate within the framework of the Constitution.
Mr. Evortepe further warned that individuals who invoke the wrath of the gods in such circumstances could face prosecution and possible imprisonment, while persons accused in related matters may also become subjects of legal investigations.
He emphasised that all citizens are required to conduct themselves within the limits of the law, noting that respect for legal procedures remains essential for maintaining peace, order, and justice in society.
The Executive President also stated that the Foundation sympathises with the woman whose property was allegedly destroyed and strongly condemns the reported burning of her house. However, he stressed that the Foundation does not support any unlawful acts and remains committed to ensuring that justice is pursued through proper legal channels.
According to him, the primary concern of the Foundation is to uphold the provisions of the Constitution of Ghana, which clearly outline the lawful ways disputes and grievances should be handled.
Mr. Evortepe explained that while emotions and cultural beliefs may influence the reactions of affected persons, all responses must still conform to the rule of law.
He reiterated that the mandate of the Duamenefa Foundation is to promote peace and lawful conflict resolution, adding that the organisation remains firmly committed to constitutional processes and does not support any form of misconduct.
The Foundation’s caution comes amid increasing public debate over the role of traditional beliefs and spiritual practices in dispute resolution, particularly in emotionally charged cases where parties resort to supernatural pronouncements in pursuit of justice.
Some legal and community commentators have stressed the need for intensified public education on constitutional rights and lawful avenues for redress, especially in rural and peri-urban communities where customary responses to grievances remain common.
Observers say greater civic education could help reduce misunderstandings and prevent conflicts from escalating into situations with potential legal consequences.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders across the country continue to play important roles in mediating disputes and maintaining peace within communities, often in collaboration with state institutions. However, many have also emphasised the need to distinguish lawful customary practices from actions that may conflict with national laws.
The Duamenefa Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to working with both traditional authorities and state institutions to promote peaceful and lawful dispute resolution across communities.
Mr. Evortepe further appealed to institutions responsible for public education and law enforcement to intensify engagements with shrine leaders across the country in order to educate them on lawful practices and the legal implications associated with invoking the wrath of the gods.
He also urged shrine leaders to educate and sensitise their followers on the importance of peaceful coexistence and adherence to the laws of Ghana to help prevent future incidents.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze