Otumfuo recounts how Bono Regional Minister called a judge on a holiday to have people remanded

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has criticised what he describes as increasing political interference in traditional affairs, citing developments in Sampa in the Bono Region as a key example.

Speaking at a meeting of the Asanteman Council on Monday, April 20, 2026, Otumfuo recounted an alleged incident involving the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, and residents of Sampa.

He accused several government officials, including Mohammed Mubarak-Muntaka, Minister of Chieftaincy and Local Government Ahmed Ibrahim, the Bono Regional Minister, and the Regional Police Commander, of contributing to uncertainty surrounding the Sampa Traditional Council.

According to the Asantehene, the chieftaincy matter in Sampa had already been resolved through established processes.

“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 said.

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However, he alleged that despite this, obstacles continue to prevent the recognised chief from exercising authority.

“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,” Otumfuo stated.

He further alleged bias in law enforcement actions during the dispute, claiming that arrests made during the crisis targeted only one faction.

“In Sampa, one faction was arrested while the other was left untouched,” he said, adding that the regional minister allegedly contacted a judge on a holiday to have those arrested remanded into custody.

“If you do this, is it right?” he questioned.

The Asantehene also expressed concern over what he described as a broader pattern of disregard for judicial decisions in traditional disputes, citing communities such as Nkyeraa, Amantim, and parts of Asante Akyem.

He warned that the use of political power to influence traditional matters undermines established systems and could have long-term consequences.

“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.

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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