The Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, has raised anticipation ahead of the 2026 Duamenefa Grand Durbar by asking which traditional area will be named the next Chieftaincy Dispute-Free Traditional Area.
The recognition is aimed at honouring traditional areas that demonstrate peace, unity, stability, and effective leadership in preventing and resolving chieftaincy-related disputes.
Mr. Evortepe made the announcement during an interview with broadcaster Abass Seidu on Fafaa 100.3 FM.
He recalled that at the 2025 Duamenefa Grand Durbar, the Foundation recognised the Afife Traditional Area as the Chieftaincy Dispute-Free Traditional Area and presented an award to the traditional authority in recognition of its peaceful traditional leadership.
According to Mr. Evortepe, the selection of Afife followed research conducted by the Foundation, which, he said, indicated that the traditional area had not been involved in a dispute over the Paramountcy.
He attributed the recognition to the peaceful environment within the traditional area and commended Torgbiga Adrakpanya VI, Paramount Chief of Afife, for what he described as commendable leadership and efforts towards maintaining peace and stability.
Mr. Evortepe explained that the award was introduced not only to honour traditional areas that have maintained peace but also to encourage other traditional authorities to embrace dialogue, consultation, mutual respect, and peaceful approaches to resolving disputes.
He stressed that traditional leaders have an important role to play in maintaining peace and creating an environment conducive to community development. According to him, traditional areas free from prolonged chieftaincy disputes are better positioned to focus on the welfare and development of their people.
He disclosed that the 2026 Duamenefa Grand Durbar will again feature the Chieftaincy Dispute-Free Traditional Area Award.
Mr. Evortepe said the Foundation has established criteria to guide the selection process, including the level of peace, unity, stability, and the absence of chieftaincy disputes, particularly disputes relating to Paramountcy.
He explained that traditional areas that satisfy the Foundation’s requirements will be considered for the recognition, with the successful area expected to be crowned during the 2026 Grand Durbar.
The Executive President said the initiative forms part of the Foundation’s broader efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and harmonious traditional leadership across communities.
He encouraged traditional rulers and their subjects to rely on dialogue, consultation, and other peaceful mechanisms when addressing disagreements, stressing that sustainable development requires peace and unity.
He added that the recognition serves as an incentive for traditional authorities to maintain stability and promote leadership that brings people together rather than creating division.
With anticipation building ahead of the 2026 Duamenefa Grand Durbar, attention is now turning to the traditional area that will emerge as the next recipient of the Chieftaincy Dispute-Free Traditional Area Award.
The award is scheduled to be presented on 28th November 2026 at Klikor Unity Park during the Duamenefa Grand Durbar. The announcement of the recipient is expected to be one of the major highlights of the event.
By Hutor Dziwornu
Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Edited by Evortepe Isabella