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Asantehene cautions government appointees against interference in chieftaincy disputes
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has warned government appointees against using political power to meddle in chieftaincy disputes, specifically citing the situation in Sampa. Speaking at a meeting of the Asanteman Council on Monday, April 20, 2026, Otumfuo emphasized that political authority is temporary and urged those in office to be mindful of their actions. He criticized what he described as increasing political interference in traditional matters, highlighting developments in Sampa and other areas. The Asantehene 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 in connection with the uncertainty in the Sampa Traditional Council. He stated that the Sampa chieftaincy issue had been settled, the chief had taken an oath, the matter had gone to court, and the chief was registered by the National House of Chiefs. Otumfuo expressed concern that despite this, the legitimate chief's security was reportedly not guaranteed by a regional minister when attempting to enter the town, while an illegitimate chief was allegedly supported by ministers and the regional police commander. He also noted that in Sampa, one faction was arrested while another was not, and a regional minister reportedly called a judge on a holiday to remand them. The Asantehene voiced concerns about the disregard for judicial decisions in communities like Sampa, Nkyer
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