The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned government appointees against using political power to interfere in chieftaincy disputes, particularly at Sampa, warning that political authority is temporary and must not be abused. Speaking at a meeting of the Asanteman Council on Monday, April 20, 2026, Otumfuo criticised what he described as increasing political intrusion into traditional governance, singling out the situation in Sampa as deeply troubling.
He stressed that those currently in positions of power must remain mindful of their actions, as their tenure will eventually come to an end. According to him, the sanctity of traditional institutions must be respected, especially when disputes have already been settled through due process.
Otumfuo specifically mentioned Interior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, Minister of Chieftaincy and Local Government Ahmed Ibrahim, Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa, and the regional police commander as contributing to the uncertainty surrounding the Sampa Traditional Council.
“The Sampa chieftaincy issue has already been settled. The chief has taken the oath, the matter has gone to court and he has been registered by the National House of Chiefs,” he stated.
He questioned why the recognised chief is unable to access the town freely, alleging that a regional minister had indicated that the chief’s security could not be guaranteed. Meanwhile, he said, an individual not recognised as the legitimate chief continues to control the town with the backing of political authorities and security officials.
“In Sampa, one faction was arrested while the other was left untouched, and the regional minister even called a judge on a holiday to remand them. If you do this, is it right?” Otumfuo asked.
The Asantehene also raised concerns about what he described as a growing disregard for judicial rulings in communities such as Sampa, Nkyeraa, Amantim, and parts of Asante Akyem, where rival claimants continue to assert authority despite court decisions.
“I want to tell these ministers that time changes. Today, you have power, so you use it anyhow. But the Sampa chief will not die, and the town belongs to him. He will definitely assume his rightful place,” he added.
The renewed attention to the Sampa dispute follows a violent incident on March 14, 2026, in the Bono Region, which left one person dead and several others critically injured. The clashes, linked to the long-standing chieftaincy conflict, mark a dangerous escalation in tensions that traditional leaders have repeatedly warned could spiral further without swift intervention.
Residents reported that the number of injured continued to rise following the unrest, with many sustaining serious wounds.
The conflict stems from a protracted dispute over the Sampa paramount stool, which underwent nearly two decades of arbitration under the authority of the Asantehene. That process concluded with the gazetting of Nana Samgba Gyaflaa II as the legitimate Paramount Chief.
Despite this, resistance from an opposing faction has persisted, fuelling recurring tensions and the latest outbreak of violence.
Traditional leaders have previously appealed to the President to enforce court rulings, ensure the safety of the gazetted chief, and take urgent steps to prevent Sampa from descending into prolonged conflict.
