Traditional authorities in the Sampa Traditional Area have appealed to government to bring perpetrators of violence to justice and restore calm in the community.
At a press conference in Accra, Nana Kwadwo Magsah, Kokoahene and Adontehene of the Sampa Traditional Council, said some indigenes opposed to the legitimately enstooled Paramount Chief, Nana Samgba Gyaflaa II, continued to engage in violence, threats and abuses.
“Sampa is too important to be sacrificed for impunity. Too many tears have already been shed. Too many homes have already been burnt. We call for thorough investigation and prosecution of acts of violence and arson,” he said.
Nana Magsah appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate action to bring lasting peace to Sampa.
“We call for state protection for the gazetted Paramount Chief. The air in Sampa is heavy with uncertainty, and we place this matter in the hands of the President and under the authority of the constitution he swore to uphold,” he said.
Nana Magsah said that the chiefs and people of Sampa felt abandoned by the security and legal systems, noting that their confidence in the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and District Security Council (DISEC) had eroded.
Mr. Thomas Atta Sie, Acting Spokesperson for the Nananom, said the conduct of REGSEC and DISEC had not assured impartiality, alleging attempts to sell Sampa lands despite a standing court injunction.
He said court orders had not been enforced, creating an atmosphere where lawlessness appeared protected.
The Sampa Traditional Council, located in the Jaman North District of the Bono Region, has faced a chieftaincy dispute for over two decades.
Violent clashes on September 10, 2025, resulted in one death, injuries to several others including police officers, and destruction of property, including the chief’s residence and parts of the Sampa market.
The dispute involves rival factions over the Sampa stool.
Nana Samgba Gyaflaa II, known in the legal fraternity as Justice Emmanuel Ankamah, was approved as Paramount Chief by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, following a ruling that the opposing family was not eligible.
GNA
