The Duamenefa Foundation has expressed concern over reports that a complainant was allegedly fined by traditional authorities for first reporting a community dispute to a media house before presenting the matter to them for arbitration.
The development has sparked public debate regarding constitutional rights, media freedom, and the role of traditional authorities in community dispute resolution.
The case reportedly involves allegations that certain individuals died under mysterious circumstances, with some community members linking the deaths to alleged spiritual or “voodoo” activities. According to reports, the deceased persons had remained at a mortuary for an extended period amid claims that a shrine at Afife, where Torgbi Agama is said to serve as chief priest, was connected to the matter.
The issue was initially brought before the Duamenefa Foundation and later discussed on the airwaves of Fafaa 100.3 FM for possible mediation and intervention. Subsequently, the complainants were referred to traditional authorities for arbitration.
The arbitration was reportedly chaired by Torgbiga Adrakpanya VI, with Torgbi Agbodemegbe III said to be among the complainants involved in the proceedings.
However, reports indicate that traditional authorities imposed a fine of GH¢900 on the complainant for first taking the matter to the media before reporting it to them. It was alleged that the complainants were questioned over their decision to involve the media prior to engaging traditional leadership, after which the fine was imposed and reportedly paid.
The incident has generated widespread discussion within the community and beyond, with many questioning whether citizens are legally required to seek permission from traditional authorities before reporting matters of public concern to the media.
Speaking on the issue, the Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe, questioned the legal basis of the alleged fine.
According to him, while respect for traditional leadership remains important, citizens are not legally required under the Constitution of Ghana to seek permission before reporting issues of public interest to the media.
Mr. Evortepe stated that the Foundation’s involvement in the matter was intended to promote peaceful resolution and mediation and that it did not expect complainants to face sanctions for engaging the media.
He expressed concern that such actions, if confirmed, could discourage residents from reporting legitimate community concerns, thereby affecting transparency, accountability, and public confidence in dispute resolution mechanisms.
Mr. Evortepe further stressed that traditional arbitration systems must operate within the framework of the Constitution of Ghana by respecting citizens’ fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and access to the media.
He warned that punitive actions linked to media reporting could undermine trust in both traditional and alternative dispute resolution systems and urged all stakeholders to ensure fairness and transparency in handling such cases.
The Executive President also disclosed that one of the Foundation’s major concerns was the prolonged stay of the deceased persons at the mortuary during the dispute period.
According to him, when the Foundation engaged a spokesman of the shrine, it was communicated that the complainants had initially been asked to provide two bottles of alcohol for spiritual rites to facilitate the release of the bodies for burial, a directive which was reportedly complied with.
He noted, however, that a later and conflicting position allegedly emerged in which the shrine was said to be demanding money from the complainants to enable consultations with what was referred to as the “Nyigbla” deity.
The Foundation described the development as inconsistent and said the matter required further clarification.
Mr. Evortepe reiterated that the Duamenefa Foundation remains committed to serving as a voice for vulnerable persons in society and promoting justice, peace, and constitutional rights.
He further called for stronger collaboration among traditional authorities, media practitioners, and peacebuilding institutions to ensure that disputes are resolved peacefully without infringing on constitutional freedoms or discouraging responsible reporting.
The Foundation indicated that the matter remains under observation as more details continue to emerge.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze.
Edited by Isabella Emmanuella Evortepe.