The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has boldly told the National House of Chiefs they do not have the authority to install chiefs.
According to the Asantehene, the power to install chiefs is solely with traditional councils.
The Asantehene further cautioned against the politicisation of elections within the National House of Chiefs, calling on stakeholders to protect the integrity of the chieftaincy institution.
Addressing the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs at the Manhyia Palace on Tuesday, May 13, 2026, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stated, “What everybody must note is that the House of Chiefs cannot install chiefs. They don’t have that authority. It is the traditional council that does”.
He further called on Parliament and the relevant authorities to give clarity regarding the role of the various Houses of Chiefs. relating to enstoolment and recognition of chiefs.
In related news, 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.