Sampa Traditional Council condemns security raid, alleges assault on traditional authority

The Sampa Traditional Council has strongly condemned a recent security operation at the residence of Nana Samgba Gyafla II, describing it as a “grave assault” on traditional authority and a direct affront to Asanteman.

In a press statement dated March 26, 2026, the Council expressed outrage over what it described as an unlawful invasion carried out by a joint team of military and police personnel.

The operation, which reportedly took place on March 21, has been linked by the Council to directives from Joseph Addae Akwaboa, a claim that authorities are yet to publicly respond to.

According to the statement, the raid involved acts of vandalism, including the destruction of portraits of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, which the Council described as sacred symbols of identity and allegiance.

It further alleged that Asanteman flags mounted on vehicles within the compound were deliberately torn down during the operation.

The Council also raised concerns about alleged brutality during the incident, claiming that vulnerable individuals, including children and the elderly who had sought refuge at the residence, were assaulted and arrested. These claims have not yet been independently verified.

Additionally, the statement accused security personnel of looting items of cultural, financial, and administrative value, estimated at over GH₵500,000. The Council rejected any suggestion that firearms found at the residence were illegal, insisting they were properly registered and used strictly for protection.

The statement further criticized a previous account by the Ghana Police Service, describing it as misleading and incomplete.

Framing the incident as politically motivated, the Council warned that actions perceived as undermining traditional authority could have broader implications for Ghana’s governance system. It called on national authorities, traditional leaders, and the public to treat the matter with urgency and seriousness.

Despite the tension, the Council urged residents of Sampa to remain calm and pursue justice through lawful and traditional channels, assuring that efforts are underway to seek accountability.

As of now, security agencies have not issued a detailed response to the latest allegations, and investigations into the incident are expected to continue.