The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reminded government appointees that political power is temporary, cautioning them against using state authority to interfere in chieftaincy matters.
Speaking at an Asanteman Council meeting on April 20, 2026, Otumfuo singled out the Sampa crisis, accusing some current government officials of meddling in the dispute despite clear court rulings.
Otumfuo exposed the Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, as well as local government officials.
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,” Otumfuo stated.
The Asantehene decried what he described as gross misbehaviour festering in Sampa, Nkyeraa, Amantim, and parts of Asante Akyem, where court rulings affirming legitimate chiefs are being disregarded.
“There is a court ruling in favour of Amantimhene, yet there is someone exerting his authority as chief, resisting the legitimate chief. The same is taking place in Nkyeraa, which has been adopted as a Divisional Council in the House of Chiefs,” he said.
He also cited the situation in Sampa, saying, “Despite court rulings, an Ivorian is in Sampa carrying himself out as a royal and chief. Sampahene Gyafla will not die. The town belongs to him, and he will assume his rightful authority.”
Otumfuo also faulted Paramount Chiefs within Asante for their seemingly nonchalant attitude towards the developments.
“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.”
The King referenced how Asante paramountcies in the past gave themselves out to war in defence of the image and heritage of the Kingdom.
His Majesty cited Tweneboa Kuduah and Yaa Asantewaa.
“Now we have all turned into women,” Otumfuo chastised while vowing to resist anyone who tries to block traditional authorities in Bono and Bono East from coming to pay homage to him.
