The Dorfor Youth and Development Association (DYDA), based in Juapong in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region, has strongly refuted claims published in the “Current” newspaper on Thursday, June 19, 2025, regarding the resolution of the longstanding Dorfor chieftaincy dispute.
In a press statement signed by DYDA President, Mr. Nelson K. Hodogbey, and backed by the Association’s Executive Committee, the group described the publication—titled “Dorfor Chieftaincy Dispute Resolved: Togbega Anati Kodey IV Declared Legitimate Paramount Chief”—as misleading, unsubstantiated, and a potential threat to peace within the Dorfor Traditional Area.
The Association emphasized that the chieftaincy issue in Dorfor remains unresolved and is currently under deliberation before the Judicial Committee of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and other competent traditional and legal bodies. It expressed concern that the newspaper article misrepresents the current legal and customary status of the dispute.
Providing historical context, DYDA explained that the Dorfor paramountcy has been a matter of protracted litigation and customary contention involving multiple claimants. It noted that any enstoolment of a Paramount Chief must follow due customary process, including the involvement of legitimate kingmakers and stakeholders from all Dorfor clans and communities.
The Association clarified that, to date, no individual has been duly selected, confined, outdoored, and installed through a process recognized by all relevant customary authorities and kingmakers in the Dorfor Traditional Area. It also stressed that no final ruling has been issued by the appropriate legal authorities endorsing Mr. Nelson Anati Duagbor as the legitimate Paramount Chief.
Mr. Hodogbey further indicated that the communities and kingmakers who have historically opposed Mr. Duagbor’s claim were not adequately consulted or represented in any reconciliation process prior to the publication’s declaration.
“The newspaper report misleadingly presents the situation as a resolved dispute and falsely suggests widespread acceptance, which is not the case,” the statement said. “Such claims not only distort the facts but also undermine ongoing reconciliation efforts and risk igniting divisions among the youth, elders, and sub-chiefs of the area.”
DYDA criticized the article for lacking balanced reportage, stating that it failed to reflect the perspectives of all factions involved and instead promoted a one-sided narrative that could sow discord.
The Association therefore disassociated itself from the assertion that Mr. Duagbor is the duly recognized Paramount Chief of Dorfor, insisting that only an inclusive and legitimate process involving all stakeholders can bring finality to the matter.
While calling on the media to uphold accuracy and impartiality when reporting on sensitive chieftaincy issues, the DYDA urged the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, the National House of Chiefs, and all other adjudicative institutions to expedite the necessary customary and legal procedures to ensure a lasting and widely accepted resolution.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, and inclusive development across the Dorfor Traditional Area. It also appealed to the youth to remain calm, law-abiding, and focused on dialogue and development while leadership matters are resolved through appropriate channels.
Mr. Hodogbey concluded by assuring the public that DYDA will continue to play a non-partisan and constructive role in safeguarding truth, promoting peace, and ensuring that leadership decisions are made through consensus rather than imposition.
Story by Kekeli K. Blamey
