The Concerned Youth of Asante has expressed concern over what it describes as increasing political and administrative interference in chieftaincy matters across the country, warning that such actions could undermine peace, stability and confidence in traditional institutions.
Addressing a press conference, the President of the group, Nana Agyenim Boateng, popularly known as Gyataba, alleged that some government appointees and elements within the security services were interfering in the established customary and legal processes governing the selection and recognition of traditional rulers.
According to the group, one such case concerns the chieftaincy dispute in Sampa, where a chief who was selected and installed through customary procedures, swore the oath of allegiance before the Asantehene, and was subsequently gazetted by the State, is facing a challenge from a rival claimant.
The group maintained that the gazetted chief remains the lawful occupant of the stool and expressed concern over reports of attempts to undermine his authority.
The Concerned Youth of Asante further referenced recent violent incidents in Sampa, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two individuals, Alfred Kofi Sono and Alhaji Abdulai. The group called on the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings and ensure justice is served.
The group also cited recent remarks by , who cautioned public officials and security personnel against interfering in chieftaincy disputes and urged respect for judicial rulings and customary procedures.
According to the group, the Asantehene’s position aligns with the constitutional and legal framework governing chieftaincy matters in Ghana.
The Concerned Youth of Asante further argued that the publicly stated position of on chieftaincy issues should guide all public officials. They noted that the President has consistently maintained that government does not determine who becomes a chief and that only duly enstooled and gazetted chiefs whose names appear in the National Register of Chiefs are recognised by the State.
The group called on the President to ensure that ministers, regional ministers, metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives, as well as other government appointees, refrain from involvement in chieftaincy disputes.
It also appealed to the Ministry of the Interior and the security agencies to remain neutral and uphold the Constitution, the Chieftaincy Act and lawful directives concerning traditional leadership matters.
Additionally, the group called on state institutions to recognise and protect duly gazetted chiefs and to respect the authority of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs and their judicial committees in resolving disputes.
The Concerned Youth of Asante further urged the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities to investigate allegations surrounding individuals allegedly presenting themselves as chiefs without lawful authority.
The group also called for the removal of the Bono Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Addae, over what it described as his alleged involvement in developments relating to the Sampa dispute.
The group said its intervention was motivated by a commitment to peace, justice and the preservation of Ghana’s traditional institutions and pledged to pursue its concerns through lawful and peaceful means.
“We remain committed to safeguarding the dignity and authority of traditional leadership while ensuring that due process and the rule of law prevail,” Nana Agyenim Boateng stated.
