The Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe, has clarified that the foundation is a social intervention non governmental organization, mandated to advocate for social change, such as infringement on the fundamental human rights of the vulnerable, through spiritual and physical manipulation and orchestrations. The foundation collaborates with lawful agencies to right the wrongs and promote peaceful coexistence of people in the various communities . The Foundation does not operate as a court of law.
Speaking on the airwaves of Fafaa 100.3 FM during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme, Mr. Ketaman explained that the foundation’s mandate is to look into petitions submitted by individuals and communities and help facilitate appropriate interventions, while leaving judgment and legal rulings to the competent judicial authorities.
His clarification follows a petition currently under investigation by the foundation involving a self-acclaimed man of God, Pastor Vincent Ekuago Karl, and a complainant identified as Mr. Nutsugah.
According to the petition, Pastor Karl allegedly initiated Mr. Nutsugah into certain spiritual practices, after which the complainant reportedly began experiencing a strange illness and is currently said to be behaving abnormally.
Mr. Ketaman indicated that after receiving the petition, the matter was referred to the appropriate traditional authorities for arbitration in accordance with customary processes and existing legal provisions governing such community disputes.
He explained that the traditional rulers, working in collaboration with relevant institutions, invited both parties to appear before them in order to seek clarification and possible resolution of the matter.
According to him, the accused, Pastor Karl, appeared before the traditional authorities during the first sitting of the arbitration, after which the case was adjourned to another date for further hearing.
However, Mr. Ketaman disclosed that when the time came for the subsequent sitting, a relative of the accused identified as Mama Ayaba allegedly contacted the traditional ruler in charge of the case and indicated that the accused would no longer attend the arbitration proceedings.
He stated that the relative reportedly informed the traditional authority that the complainant was free to take the matter to court if he wished to pursue the case further.
Despite this communication, the complainant and other parties reportedly appeared for the scheduled sitting. Due to the absence of the accused and the message received, the traditional rulers had no option but to suspend the proceedings and pack up the arrangements that had been made for the arbitration.
Commenting further on the development, Mr. Ketaman said that the actions of Pastor Karl and his family, particularly their refusal to continue participating in the traditional arbitration process, were seen as a sign of disrespect to the traditional authorities handling the matter.
He emphasized that although the Duamenefa Foundation is not a court, the organization will continue to investigate the case thoroughly. He added that the foundation will also engage the relevant authorities and institutions to ensure that due process is followed and that the law is allowed to take its course.
Mr. Ketaman further stated, “The public should know that the Constitution of Ghana empowers traditional rulers to arbitrate in spiritual and community disputes and to resolve them amicably.
He reiterated that the Duamenefa Foundation’s involvement in the matter remains strictly investigative and supportive, stressing that the organization is committed to promoting justice, accountability, and social intervention while respecting the authority of the courts and other lawful institutions.
Some experts in community governance note that in recent times, certain individuals refuse to recognize the authority of traditional rulers, particularly in matters involving spiritual or community disputes. This disregard is often due to misunderstanding of customary laws, overreliance on formal courts, or the belief that traditional rulings are outdated, which sometimes leads to disrespect or noncompliance. Organizations like the Duamenefa Foundation play a crucial role in educating the public on the legal and constitutional powers of traditional authorities and in ensuring that community disputes are addressed respectfully and according to the law.
Experts also note that disputes involving spiritual leaders and their followers have become increasingly complex, often blending cultural, religious, and legal dimensions. Such cases highlight the importance of having strong mediation bodies like the Duamenefa Foundation to bridge the gap between formal legal institutions and customary authorities, ensuring that vulnerable individuals are protected while societal norms are respected.
Meanwhile, traditional authorities continue to play a crucial role in maintaining law, order, and cultural values in local communities. However, incidents like the refusal of some parties to participate in arbitration underline the challenges these authorities face, emphasizing the need for collaboration between traditional rulers, investigative bodies, and formal legal institutions to ensure justice is served effectively.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Edited by Isabella Emmanuella Evortepe, UEW – Fafaa 100.3 Fm