Otumfuo Warns Gov’t Officials Over Power Abuse

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has warned government appointees not to interfere in chieftaincy disputes, stressing that political power is temporary and must not be used to weaken traditional authority.

He gave the warning at an Asanteman Council meeting on Monday, 20 April 2026. During his address, the King pointed to ongoing tensions in parts of the Bono Region, especially the Sampa chieftaincy dispute, where he said some government officials were ignoring court rulings.

He mentioned alleged involvement of officials including Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa, and other local government actors.

“The Sampa case, for instance, has been settled. The court has given its final ruling, but the way things are currently going, we are all here and no one wants to address the issue. Again, I am the one who goes to address it. I know tradition and time are on our side.

 If Sampahene Gyafla is going to his hometown, some regional minister will write to security that they shouldn’t allow him to enter his own land, while the one who is not the king has taken the land.

Ministers are part of it, the head of police, regional minister, minister for local government, minister for interior, all of them are involved. Also Sampa was going to arrest people and after the arrest, the regional minister, on a holiday, will call a judge handling an arrest case to remand some and release others.

I am telling the regional minister and his people that ‘Emer3 w) ho eni ka so’. Today your government is in power, so you think you can do whatever you please. Of course, you can go ahead and use that power for whatever you want now, Sampahene Gyafla will not die. The town belongs to him, and he will assume his rightful authority,” he cautioned in a viral video speaking in a local dialect.

The Asantehene also criticised what he described as silence and inaction from some Asante paramount chiefs, saying they must defend traditional authority more strongly. He said it was worrying that chiefs were allowing external interference to continue without resistance.

“Why are our men sitting aloof for two people in Bono to misbehave. You are all waiting for Otumfuo to act. We are all silent. You want to protect your names.”

He further referenced historic Asante leaders such as Tweneboa Kodua and Yaa Asantewaa, saying their courage should be an example for present-day chiefs. According to him, the current attitude of some traditional leaders does not reflect the bravery of the past.

“Now we have all turned into women,” he added.

Before these comments, the long-running Sampa chieftaincy dispute had already returned to court, with the Kumasi High Court being asked to jail a rival claimant for alleged contempt of court.

The application was filed at the High Court in Kumasi and seeks to imprison Randolf Obah, who is said to be calling himself Nana Yaw Sammordua. He is accused of disobeying court orders that determined the rightful occupant of the Sampa Paramount Stool.

The case was filed by Nana Samgba Gyafla II, also known in private life as Justice Emmanuel Ankamah, who is the recognised Paramount Chief of the Sampa Traditional Area.

In his affidavit, he explained that he was properly nominated, elected, and installed as Paramount Chief following an arbitral decision delivered on 22 June 2023 under the authority of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

He also stated that the court later supported his position by issuing a mandamus order directing that his name be entered into the National Register of Chiefs as the legitimate Paramount Chief of Sampa. This order, given in September 2025, was complied with and official records were updated.

However, he alleges that despite these rulings, the respondent continues to present himself as Paramount Chief of Sampa, openly defying the court’s authority.

The affidavit lists several incidents, including the respondent allegedly sitting in state as chief at a funeral in February 2026, attending public events, and appearing at official ceremonies such as a sod-cutting event and Independence Day celebrations while still claiming the title.

The applicant argues that these actions have worsened tensions in the Sampa Traditional Area, leading to violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property.

He maintains that the conduct shows disrespect for the court and weakens the justice system. He is therefore asking the court to sentence the respondent to prison to punish the alleged contempt and prevent further violations.

The motion, filed by lawyer Mujeeb Rahman Ahmed of Moomin & Botta Solicitors, is expected to be heard at the Kumasi High Court in April 2026.