Kumasi: The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned government appointees against using political power to interfere in chieftaincy disputes, particularly at Sampa. He stressed that political authority is transient and warned that those in office should be mindful of their actions, as they will not remain in power forever.
According to Ghana Web, Otumfuo made these remarks at a meeting of the Asanteman Council on Monday, April 20, 2026, where he criticised what he described as growing political interference in traditional matters. He specifically mentioned developments at Sampa and other areas. Otumfuo pointed out 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 being behind the uncertainty in the Sampa Traditional Council.
The Asantehene highlighted that the Sampa chieftaincy issue had already been resolved. The chief had taken the oath, the matter had gone to court, and he had been registered by the National House of Chiefs. Despite this, a regional minister had written that the chief's security could not be guaranteed when he tried to visit the town. Meanwhile, an illegitimate chief was controlling the town with backing from ministers and the regional police commander. Otumfuo questioned the fairness of such actions, citing an incident where one faction was arrested while another was left untouched, with the regional minister even calling a judge on a holiday to remand them.
Otumfuo also expressed concerns over the disregard for judicial decisions in communities such as Sampa, Nkyeraa, Amantim, and parts of Asante Akyem, where rival claimants continue to assert authority despite court rulings. He warned ministers that although they currently have power, time changes, and the rightful chief of Sampa will eventually assume his place.
On March 14, 2026, violence erupted in Sampa in the Bono Region, resulting in one death and several critical injuries amid clashes tied to the long-running chieftaincy dispute. The incident marked a dangerous escalation in a crisis that traditional leaders have repeatedly warned could spiral out of control without urgent intervention. Residents reported that the number of injured continues to rise, with many sustaining severe wounds during the unrest.
The violence stems from a protracted dispute over the Sampa paramount stool, which underwent nearly two decades of arbitration under the authority of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The process concluded with the gazetting of Nana Samgba Gyaflaa II as the legitimate Paramount Chief. However, resistance from an opposing faction has persisted, fueling recurring tensions and now renewed bloodshed.
Traditional leaders had earlier appealed to the President to enforce court orders, safeguard the gazetted chief, and prevent Sampa from becoming another conflict hotspot.