Duamenefa Foundation Let us coexist in peace together
The Duamenefa Foundation, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting peaceful coexistence in communities, has begun investigations into the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in the Weta Traditional Area of the Ketu North Municipality in the Volta Region.
The gazzeted paramount chief of Weta
It is alleged that two chiefs are laying claim to the same paramount chieftaincy stool title, a situation that has caused deep division among the people of Weta. The dispute has also affected the celebration of the annual Morluza Festival, which the community usually observes in unity.
This year, the festival was reportedly celebrated separately by the two rival factions due to the dispute — a development that drew concern from His Eminence Dr. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, the Council of State member representing the Volta Region. Speaking on Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dr. Atokple lamented that the ongoing conflict is creating setbacks for the community and affecting the well-being of its members.
As part of its peacebuilding mandate, the Duamenefa Foundation has intervened to help restore unity in the Weta Traditional Area. During the Duamenefa Programme hosted by the Executive President of the Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, also known as Torgbui Duamenefa I, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Torgbui Ashiagbor IV, a respected traditional ruler in Weta, was invited to speak on the matter.
Torgbui Ashiagbor IV acknowledged that the dispute has indeed caused division and hardship among the people of Weta. He expressed confidence in the Duamenefa Foundation’s efforts to foster peace and urged all parties to cooperate in the reconciliation process.
Responding to allegations made by Dr. Atokple that he had ordered ten truckloads of sand to be dumped at the Weta Council premises to prevent an event from taking place, Torgbui Ashiagbor clarified that the act was not done by him personally but rather by members of the Ashiagbor family.
Torgbui further revealed that the chieftaincy dispute is currently before the Regional House of Chiefs, where investigations are ongoing. Mr. Evortepe, during the discussion, asked whether it was proper for the community to collaborate with the chief already gazetted by the National House of Chiefs while awaiting the final ruling from the Regional House. In response, Torgbui Ashiagbor agreed that all parties must cooperate and obey lawful authorities until the final decision is made.
On this note, the other party involved in the dispute, Torgbiga Ashiakpor VI, also released a press statement, which he formally served to the Duamenefa Foundation. In response, the Foundation invited Torgbiga Ashiakpor VI — one of the chiefs contesting the paramount stool — to share his side of the story.
According to Torgbiga Ashiakpor VI, his press release was in reaction to certain statements made by the Council of State member representing the Volta Region, Dr. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, on Fafaa 100.3 FM, which he said did not sit well with him. Torgbiga explained that Dr. Atokple is his kinsman and is fully aware of the situation in Weta, so he should have approached him personally to discuss the matter rather than addressing it on air, since they are one family.
During the discussion, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe humbly asked Torgbiga Ashiakpor VI what steps could be taken to bring lasting peace to the Weta Traditional Area. In response, Torgbiga emphasized that they desire peace — which is why they had earlier petitioned the Duamenefa Foundation on the issue — and that they remain ready and willing to cooperate for reconciliation.
In reference to this, Mr. Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe cited the Dzodze Traditional Area as an example, explaining that the people of Dzodze once recognized Torgbiga Adzofia as their paramount chief. However, Torgbiga Dzoku V later challenged the position in court. When the final judgment was delivered, it went in favor of Torgbiga Dzoku V, confirming him as the legitimate paramount chief of the Dzodze Traditional Area. Mr. Evortepe noted that during that period, the Duamenefa Foundation had been working closely with Torgbiga Adzofia, who even served as a member of the Foundation’s Board of Governors. Nevertheless, after the court ruling, the Foundation respected the judgment and now collaborates with Torgbiga Dzoku V as the recognized paramount chief of Dzodze.
Mr. Evortepe respectfully told Torgbiga Ashiakpor VI that so long as one person has been gazetted by the government as the recognized chief, all parties should collaborate with him, respect the law, and patiently wait for the final judgment. He emphasized that peace and unity are essential for the development of Weta and urged both factions to prioritize the progress of their community above all else.
During the discussion, Torgbiga Ashiakpor VI also appealed to Fafaa 100.3 FM not to use the gazette issued in the name of Torgbiga Akpo Ashiakpor VI as the Paramount Chief of the Weta Traditional Area, since the matter is still under legal review. However, the Duamenefa Foundation maintained that it operates strictly within the confines of the law and would therefore continue to follow due process by recognizing the gazetted chief until any official change is made by the appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, the Duamenefa Foundation has announced that it has just begun its formal investigation into the Weta chieftaincy dispute. The Foundation has urged the people of the Weta Traditional Area to respect the law, seek legal redress through appropriate institutions, and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, so that peace can be maintained in the area.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peace, dialogue, and reconciliation among all factions involved in the dispute.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
