The Duamenefa Foundation has suspended proceedings on a petition currently under investigation following what it described as a breach of its mediation and investigation procedures by one of the petitioners.
The Foundation explained that the decision was taken after the petitioner allegedly made repeated defamatory remarks against the respondent during proceedings, including referring to him as a “murderer,” despite several cautions to withdraw the statement.
The suspension was officially announced by the Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe, during the Duamenefa social intervention programme aired on Fafaa 100.3 FM.
According to Mr. Evortepe, the petition was filed by Mr. Atsu Tega and Madam Atsufui Tega, who alleged that their younger brother, Mr. David Tega, was spiritually terrorising their lives. Following the petition, the Foundation initiated investigations into the matter for possible intervention and mediation.
Mr. Evortepe disclosed that during the proceedings, Mr. Atsu Tega repeatedly described Mr. David Tega as a “murderer,” even after being cautioned to retract the allegation.
He stated that such conduct violated the ethical and procedural standards governing the Foundation’s mediation process and undermined the fairness and neutrality required in dispute resolution.
According to him, the refusal to comply with repeated directives to withdraw the statement compelled the Foundation to suspend the petition with immediate effect in order to preserve the integrity and credibility of its proceedings.
Mr. Evortepe also used the platform to apologise to listeners of the programme and to Mr. David Tega, emphasizing that the Foundation does not support or endorse defamatory statements against any party under investigation.
He reiterated that the Duamenefa Foundation remains committed to fairness, neutrality, and due process in all its interventions and expects all parties appearing before it to strictly comply with its rules and procedures.
He further cautioned that the Foundation’s mediation platform is intended to promote peace, reconciliation, and lawful dispute resolution, and not to escalate tensions or permit emotional accusations to influence investigations.
Mr. Evortepe warned that failure to adhere to the Foundation’s procedures could result in the suspension of cases and possible legal consequences where necessary.
He consequently declared that the petition from Dzodze-Kuli concerning the Tega family has officially been put on hold until further notice.
The Executive President further advised the public that all individuals invited to speak on matters under the Foundation’s platform on Fafaa 100.3 FM must strictly adhere to the principles guiding its proceedings.
He stressed that the Foundation will not permit its platform to be used for insults, defamation, or unverified allegations, adding that discipline and mutual respect are essential for fair hearings.
Mr. Evortepe also emphasized that describing someone as a “murderer” constitutes a serious criminal allegation which falls under the jurisdiction of a court of competent authority.
He explained that criminal matters must be handled by the police and the judiciary and not through public declarations on mediation platforms.
According to him, the Duamenefa Foundation is not mandated to make criminal determinations and therefore will not allow its processes to be used in a manner that transfers legal responsibility into its proceedings.
He added that the Foundation operates strictly within its mandate and in accordance with the Constitution of Ghana and its internal rules and regulations.
Mr. Evortepe further encouraged the public to understand the limitations of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, noting that while the Foundation supports peacebuilding and mediation, criminal allegations must be referred to the appropriate law enforcement and judicial institutions for proper investigation and adjudication.
He concluded by urging parties involved in disputes to respect due process and avoid statements that could expose them to legal consequences or compromise ongoing investigations.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze.