Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, has stated that the Foundation is prepared to engage relevant state institutions and pursue lawful avenues to address matters where efforts at peaceful resolution fail.
Mr. Evortepe made the statement on the airwaves of Fafaa 100.3 FM during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme.
According to him, the Duamenefa Foundation was established to promote peaceful coexistence in every community, protect the Constitution of Ghana and ensure that no individual or group acts contrary to the Constitution or infringes on the rights of others.
He explained that although the Foundation undertakes interventions to protect the rights of individuals, its primary concern remains the promotion of peace and peaceful coexistence within communities.
Mr. Evortepe said there are laws governing the country and that those laws can be applied when individuals act contrary to them. He stressed that the Duamenefa Foundation’s first approach is always to promote peace and dialogue, but indicated that the Foundation would not remain silent when individuals allegedly disregard lawful processes or decisions.
He stated that when someone refuses to do what is right and behaves as though he or she does not respect the law, the Foundation would be compelled to explore the appropriate legal channels.
“We stand for peace, but when someone does not do the right thing and acts as if he or she does not respect the law, the Duamenefa Foundation will test the law,” Mr. Evortepe said.
His comments followed an investigation by the Duamenefa Foundation into a matter involving Mr. Fauster Ahiagba and his nephew, Robert Dotse.
According to Mr. Evortepe, the matter came before the Foundation following an allegation that Mr. Fauster Ahiagba had invoked the wrath of the gods against his nephew, Robert Dotse.
He explained that, as part of efforts to resolve the matter peacefully, it was referred to traditional rulers for arbitration.
Mr. Evortepe said the outcome of the arbitration, according to the Foundation’s account, was that Mr. Ahiagba had invoked the gods and was consequently directed to reverse the action a day after the arbitration.
He further stated that the Foundation subsequently followed up on the matter to ascertain whether the directive had been complied with.
According to him, the Foundation’s follow-up allegedly revealed that more than a week after the arbitration, the required action had not been taken.
Mr. Evortepe said the alleged failure to comply with the directive raised concerns for the Foundation, particularly regarding respect for the decision reached through the traditional arbitration process.
He explained that the Foundation had initially focused on resolving the matter peacefully because its mandate is to promote harmony and prevent disputes from escalating.
However, he indicated that the situation had reached a stage where the Foundation would consider involving the appropriate state institutions.
The Executive President emphasized that the decision to engage state institutions should not be viewed as an attempt to create conflict or undermine traditional authorities. Rather, he said, it was intended to ensure that the matter was addressed through the appropriate lawful channels.
He maintained that traditional and state institutions each have roles to play in maintaining peace, justice and order within society.
Mr. Evortepe also stressed the importance of respecting decisions reached through established dispute-resolution processes, particularly when such decisions are intended to bring an end to disagreements and restore peace between individuals and families.
He said the Foundation would continue to monitor the matter involving Mr. Ahiagba and Mr. Dotse to ensure that the situation does not develop into further conflict.
He reiterated that the Duamenefa Foundation’s interventions are primarily aimed at protecting individual rights and promoting peaceful coexistence, rather than taking sides in disputes.
According to him, the Foundation believes that disputes should first be addressed through dialogue, mediation and other peaceful means. Where such efforts fail, however, he said the appropriate institutions of the state should be allowed to intervene in accordance with the law.
Mr. Evortepe called on individuals involved in disputes to respect the laws of Ghana, traditional authorities and lawful decisions reached through established processes.
He also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to continue working together to prevent disputes from escalating into broader conflicts.
He said peaceful coexistence requires mutual respect, dialogue and a commitment by all parties to follow lawful procedures in resolving disagreements.
Mr. Evortepe concluded that the Duamenefa Foundation remains committed to peacebuilding and the protection of individual rights, but where its efforts at peaceful intervention do not produce the desired outcome, the Foundation will engage the appropriate state institutions and pursue the matter through lawful means.
By Hutor Dziwornu,Fafaa 100.3 FM,Dzodze