The Concerned Youth of Asante has strongly condemned what it describes as growing political and administrative interference by government appointees and security personnel in the country’s chieftaincy matters.
At a press conference in Kumasi on Monday, 8th June 2026, the group warned that persistent attempts by some Ministers of State and security agencies to bypass established customary and legal processes threaten national peace, stability, and the integrity of traditional institutions.
The group’s agitation is tied directly to a brewing stool dispute in Sampa, located in the Bono region
According to the youth group, the Sampamanhene, Nana Samgba Gyafla II, followed all customary rites and swore an oath of allegiance before the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Despite this chief being formally gazetted in the National Register of Chiefs, a rival claimant has emerged to contest the stool, a situation the group claims has led to the recent daylight killings of two individuals, Alfred Kofi Sono and Alhaji Abdulai, in Sampa.
“We find it particularly troubling that the actions of some government appointees appear to contradict the publicly stated position of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama,” said Nana Agyenim Boateng also known as Gyataba, President of the Concerned Youth of Asante.
He noted that President Mahama has consistently maintained that the state does not determine who becomes a chief and recognises only those duly enstooled and gazetted.
To restore order and prevent further escalation, the group issued a series of direct demands to the state, beginning with a call on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to arrest Randolph Obah, who is allegedly parading himself as a rival chief under the stool name Nana Yaw Sammor-Duah II.
They argued that a similar arrest was made during the Bawku conflict, and failure to act here could create a perception of unfair treatment by the government.
Additionally, the youth group demanded the immediate dismissal of the Bono Regional Minister, Hon Joseph Addae, accusing him of actively fueling the conflict in Sampa.
They further petitioned President Mahama to intervene decisively and ensure that all Ministers, Regional Ministers, and District Executives strictly refrain from meddling in traditional leadership.
The group highlighted that their concerns align with recent public remarks by the Asantehene.
During a sitting of the Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II strongly cautioned public office holders against disregarding judicial rulings and established customs, reminding them that political power is only temporary.
The Concerned Youth of Asante stated that while they have exercised maximum restraint for the sake of peace, their patience should not be mistaken for the acceptance of injustice.
They urged the Ministry of the Interior and relevant state bodies to remain neutral and protect the legal authority of the Houses of Chiefs.