The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has asked government appointees to refrain from using political influence to meddle in chieftaincy affairs.
He reminded them that political power was temporary, hence the need for politicians not to interfere in chieftaincy matters.
“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,” he said.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu was speaking at a meeting of the Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi last Monday.
Political interference
He expressed concern over growing political interference in traditional disputes, singling out developments at Sampa and other areas.
He expressed concern over what he described as disregard for judicial decisions in communities such as Sampa, Nkyeraa, Amantim and parts of Asante Akyem, where rival claimants continue to assert authority.
“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 at Nkyeraa, which has been adopted as a Divisional Council in the House of Chiefs,” he said.
“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,” the Asantehene noted with regret.
Inaction
Otumfuo Osei Tutu also criticised some paramount chiefs within the Asante Kingdom for what he described as a lack of action in addressing the developments.
“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,” he said.
Referencing the history of Asante resistance, he invoked figures such as Tweneboa Koduah and Yaa Asantewaa, urging traditional leaders to defend the integrity of the kingdom.
“Now we have all turned into women,” he said, while vowing to resist attempts to block traditional authorities in Bono and Bono East from paying homage to him.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh