The Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Fafaa 100.3 FM, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, has urged women who are experiencing abuse or mistreatment in their marriages to report such cases to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVSU) rather than seeking charms from juju men.
Mr. Evortepe made the statement on the airwaves of Fafaa 100.3 FM during the Duamenefa Programme, following reports of a tragic incident in which an innocent young girl allegedly died as a result of juju actions taken by her mother.
According to information shared on the programme, the mother reportedly visited a juju man to obtain a charm, which was allegedly buried at the entrance of her husband’s house in an attempt to prevent him from marrying another woman. The charm reportedly led to the child’s suffering and eventual death.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, Mr. Evortepe sympathized with the bereaved family and described the incident as heartbreaking. He cautioned that turning to juju men or spiritual interventions often leads to serious and unintended consequences for individuals and families alike.
He appealed to women to seek help from DOVSU, or Social Welfare, emphasizing that officers there are trained to handle domestic violence and marital-related cases professionally. He stressed that resorting to charms instead of lawful authorities could worsen situations and result in devastating outcomes.
Mr. Evortepe further assured the public that, although the innocent girl has died, the Duamenefa Foundation will continue its investigation and engage relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible are exposed to the public and the law. He also urged the family of the deceased to take heart as the investigation continues.
The petition prompting the investigation was submitted by Mr. Ali Mammah of Akatsi, who raised concerns about the sickness of his daughter. He alleged that his wife, Madam Ete Fometu, buried a charm at his house to prevent him from marrying another woman, an act he claims led to the suffering and death of their daughter.
Mr. Evortepe reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to pursuing the truth and supporting lawful processes to ensure justice is served.
Experts in domestic violence and social welfare have repeatedly emphasized the dangers of resorting to traditional or spiritual solutions to solve family disputes. According to specialists, while cultural practices may have historical significance, relying on charms or rituals can put children and other vulnerable family members at risk and may complicate legal investigations.
Community leaders have also highlighted the importance of public education in preventing similar tragedies. Awareness campaigns aimed at informing women about their legal rights and the services provided by institutions like DOVSU are considered crucial. Such initiatives encourage victims to speak up without fear of stigma or retaliation.
Many issues have been reported to the Duamenefa Foundation over the use of spiritual charms, some of which allegedly resulted in injury, illness, or even death. These cases have prompted calls for stricter monitoring, public sensitization, and reliance on lawful institutions to resolve domestic disputes safely. Mr. Evortepe’s statement reinforces the need for legal and institutional support in handling family matters and underscores the role of foundations like Duamenefa in bridging the gap between communities and law enforcement agencies.
By Hutor Dziwornu
Editorial lead: Isabella Evortepe