The Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has government appointees against using political power to interfere in chieftaincy matters.
According to the Otumfuo, power is transient, and government appointees must stay out of chieftaincy matters.
The Outumfuo expressed concern over disregard for judicial decisions in communities such as Sampa, Nkyeraa, Amantim, and parts of Asante Akyem, where rival claimants continue to assert authority.
Speaking at a meeting of the Asanteman Council on Monday, April 20, 2026, Otumfuo stated, “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”.
“There is a court ruling in favour of Amantimhene, yet someone is 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.
Otumfuo added, “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.”
He further recounted the legacy of historic figures such as Tweneboa Koduah and Yaa Asantewaa. Otumfuo urged traditional leaders to defend the dignity of the kingdom.
“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… Now we have all turned into women,” he added.
Earlier in 2025, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II warned the Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa for allegedly using his political position to meddle in the chieftaincy affairs.
According to the Asantehene, he will not allow anyone to use politics to meddle in chieftaincy issues.
Joseph Addae Akwaboa has been accused of meddling in Sampa chieftaincy affairs.
The Otumfuo highlighted that the Bono Regional Minister, who had served as a lawyer in the Sampa chieftaincy case, which has been resolved, is now using his political position to meddle in the issue.
Speaking to members of the council on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the final Asanteman Council meeting of the year at the Manhyia Palace, the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stated, “I don’t hate anyone, but I will not allow anyone to use politics to meddle in chieftaincy issues”.
“The regional minister was a lawyer in the case, and the issue has already been settled, so I don’t know why he is still talking about it,” Otumfuo added.
In other news, the Asantehene has urged the new Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, to work without fear or intimidation.
The Asantehene further asserted that he has never ordered any suspect’s release and does not interfere in the work of the police and all legal matters.
According to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto must not entertain anyone who seeks to use his name for favours or influence decisions.
Speaking during a courtesy call paid on him at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene stated, “If anybody comes to you and says that I have sent them, just tell the person that you have heard. If I want to tell you something, I will let them call you myself. Whatever anybody comes to say, I have no knowledge about it.
“There is no way I will send people to you for the release of any suspect, I have never done such a thing before. So, if anybody comes to you saying Otumfuo says this or that, know that I have no knowledge about it.
“So don’t let them intimidate you with my name; work hard,” Otumfuo advised.