'You have power, so you're using it anyhow' - Otumfuo descends on government appointees

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.

Speaking at a meeting of the Asanteman Council on Monday, April 20, 2026, Otumfuo criticised what he described as growing political interference in traditional matters, singling out developments at Sampa and other areas.

He 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 being behind the uncertainty in 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.

Otumfuo calls out Bono Regional Minister over Sampa chieftaincy interference

“Yet, when he attempts to go to the town, a regional minister writes that his security cannot be guaranteed. Meanwhile, the one who is not the legitimate chief is controlling the town, with ministers and the regional police commander backing him. 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?” he asked.

The Asantehene expressed concerns over what he described as 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.

“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.

On March 14, 2026, violence erupted in Sampa in the Bono Region, leaving one person dead and several others critically injured amid clashes tied to the long-running chieftaincy dispute.

The incident marks 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. That 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.

What Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei TutuII said about Interior, Chieftaincy and Bono Regional ministers interference and biases in the Sampa chieftaincy affairs. He said this when Asanteman met this week pic.twitter.com/so6mZYEWkM

— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) April 21, 2026

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