Asantehene Calls Out Four Top Officials Over Sampa Stool Row

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has accused four senior state officials of meddling in the Sampa chieftaincy dispute, warning them that political power “is transient.”

Speaking at a meeting of the Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, April 20, Otumfuo named the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed; the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim; Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa; and the Bono Regional Police Commander, DCOP Joshua Coppson.

“Your government is in power, so you think you can do whatever you please. Know that power is transient. Of course, you can go ahead and use that power for whatever you want now,” the Asantehene said.

He alleged that the four officials were backing a faction that is not the legitimate claimant to the Sampa paramount stool, despite court rulings and traditional processes that affirm Nana Samgba Gyafiaa II as chief.

“Politics has no place in chieftaincy matters,” Otumfuo stressed, adding that traditional and judicial institutions must be allowed to settle such disputes free of political interference.

The Asantehene said Nana Samgba Gyafiaa II had sworn allegiance to the Golden Stool and been gazetted by the High Court, yet was still being prevented from entering Sampa to perform customary duties.

He further disclosed that DCOP Coppson had ordered the arrest of the chief’s supporters, describing it as part of efforts to sideline the rightful ruler.

Otumfuo rejected “insecurity” as justification for blocking the chief, saying: “The paramount chief of Sampa has been cheated out of his rightful position despite following all traditional and legal processes.”

He cited similar defiance of court orders in Nkyeraa, Amantim, and parts of Asante Akyem, where rival claimants continue to hold themselves out as chiefs.

“There is a court ruling in favour of Amantimhene, yet someone is exerting his authority as chief, resisting the legitimate chief. The same is taking place in Nkyeraa,” he noted.

On Sampa, he added: “Despite court rulings, an Ivorian is in Sampa carrying himself as a royal and chief. Sampahene Gyafla will not die. The town belongs to him, and he will assume his rightful authority.”

Otumfuo also rebuked some Asante Paramount Chiefs for their silence, saying: “Why are our men sitting aloof for two people in Bono to misbehave? You are all waiting for Otumfuo to act. You want to protect your names.”

Invoking Asante history, he referenced Tweneboa Koduah and Yaa Asantewaa, urging chiefs to defend the kingdom’s integrity.

“Now we have all turned into women,” he said, pledging to resist any move to stop traditional leaders in Bono and Bono East from paying homage to him.

The Asantehene said his latest remarks form part of ongoing efforts to shield chieftaincy from political influence and uphold the autonomy of traditional authority.

Attempts to reach the four officials for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.