The Asantehene, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, has issued a strong warning to government appointees to stay away from chieftaincy disputes.
He cautioned that political power is temporary and should not be used to undermine traditional institutions.
Speaking during the Asanteman Council meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026, the revered traditional ruler expressed concern about what he described as increasing interference by political actors in matters relating to traditional leadership, particularly in areas where disputes over stools remain unresolved.
Otumfuor Osei Tutu II stressed that some government officials have ignored court decisions and inserted themselves into chieftaincy conflicts, thereby worsening tensions in affected communities.
He warned that such conduct threatens the authority of traditional institutions.
“Political power is not permanent. Those in office today may not be there tomorrow, but the institution of chieftaincy remains. No government appointee should think they have the authority to interfere in chieftaincy matters,” the Asantehene said.
He pointed to ongoing disputes in communities such as Sampa, Nkyeraa, and Amantim as examples of cases where rival claims to traditional authority have persisted, partly due to the disregard of legal rulings.
In Sampa, the long-standing tensions over the rightful occupant of the stool have created instability in the area, while Nkyeraa has witnessed similar disagreements over traditional leadership succession.
In Amantim, rival factions have also clashed over chieftaincy claims, prompting repeated calls for lawful resolution.
The Asantehene lamented that despite judicial pronouncements in some of these disputes, certain individuals continue to defy the courts, with the backing of political authorities.
According to him, this undermines public confidence in both traditional and state institutions.
He therefore called on government officials and security agencies to respect judicial decisions and allow customary processes to work without political influence.
