Sampa: Renewed chieftaincy dispute results in four fatalities, six injured, including a 12-year-old boy

A resurgence of a chieftaincy dispute in Sampa, located in the Jaman North District of the Bono Region, resulted in the tragic deaths of four individuals and injuries to six others on Friday, March 29th.

Although their identities remain undisclosed, all the deceased individuals are reported to be male. Additionally, an unspecified number of individuals, including a 12-year-old boy, sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical treatment at various healthcare facilities in the vicinity.

A relative of the injured 12-year-old boy, struck by a stray bullet and fighting for his life, conveyed to Graphic Online that the severity of the injuries necessitated the boy’s transfer to the Sunyani Teaching Hospital.

Upon reaching out to Solomon Owusu, the Jaman North District Chief Executive (DCE), for comment, it was revealed that he was en route to participate in a District Security Council (DISEC) meeting addressing the situation, hence unable to provide immediate input.

According to sources, the conflict stemmed from competing claims to the paramount chieftaincy of the Sampa Traditional Area by two individuals: Nana Samgba Gyafla II, pledging allegiance to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, and Okogyeama Yaw Saamor-Dua II, recognized as the rightful chief by the local populace.

The catalyst for the recent violence was purportedly the collection of cashew royalties, as Okogyeama Saamor-Dua dispatched representatives to gather royalties from purchasing companies in the region, coinciding with the cashew season. In response, Nana Samgba Gyafla II also mobilized a team for a parallel collection effort.

Tensions escalated when the collection teams clashed, resulting in gunfire exchange. Tragically, one member of Okogyeama Saamor-Dua II’s team lost his life on the spot, prompting a call for retaliation from his colleagues.