The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a strong warning to government appointees of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), cautioning them against recognizing or engaging individuals he described as “fake and illegitimate chiefs.”
Speaking in a firm tone during an Asanteman Council meeting, Otumfuo reminded political officeholders that power is temporary and must be exercised responsibly.
“Your government is in power, so you think you can do whatever you like. Power doesn’t stay forever; it will come and it will definitely go,” he warned.
The revered traditional leader stressed the need to respect Ghana’s chieftaincy institutions, noting that any attempt to legitimize unauthorized persons undermines established customs and threatens peace in traditional areas.
His comments follow ongoing chieftaincy tensions in Sampa in the Bono Region, where a protracted dispute over the Paramount Stool has led to violent clashes, arson, and heightened insecurity.
The conflict, which has persisted for nearly two decades, involves rival factions contesting the rightful occupant of the Sampa Paramount Stool.
In 2026, a Kumasi High Court ruling affirmed Nana Samgba Gyaflaa II who had been duly gazetted as the legitimate Paramount Chief (Omanhene).
However, resistance from an opposing faction has continued, fueling tensions in the area.
The dispute has turned deadly in the past. In September 2025, clashes reportedly resulted in the death of a woman, injuries to police officers, and the destruction of property, including burned homes.
As of March 2026, reports indicate that more than 20,000 residents are living in fear amid renewed violence.
The situation has also drawn in external traditional authorities, with disagreements over Sampa’s allegiance to nearby traditional councils, including Suma and Ashanti.
Touching on the matter, Otumfuo criticized certain government officials, including the Interior Minister, Bono Regional Minister, and the Bono Regional Police Commander, over what he described as selective enforcement of security measures.
He questioned why Nana Samgba Gyaflaa II despite being gazetted and affirmed by the court was reportedly prevented from entering the area, while members of the opposing faction were allowed to remain.
“How can a gazetted and sworn-in Paramount Chief of Sampa be prevented from going to his own community, even after winning a court case?” he queried. “When he attempted to return, the Regional Minister indicated that security could not be guaranteed, yet the illegitimate claimant is allowed to operate freely in the same area.”
Otumfuo further alleged that some officials, including the Regional Minister, the Regional Police Commander, and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, were complicit in the developments in Sampa.
His remarks are widely seen as a direct caution to political authorities to refrain from interfering in chieftaincy matters, which are often sensitive and governed by longstanding traditions and legal frameworks.
Observers say the Asantehene’s intervention underscores growing concerns about political involvement in chieftaincy disputes—an issue that has historically contributed to instability in parts of the country.
Otumfuo urged all stakeholders, particularly government officials, to act within the law and uphold the sanctity of traditional leadership structures to preserve peace, stability, and national cohesion.
By 1960news.com
