A deadly chieftaincy-related conflict in the Sampa District has prompted the deployment of 110 personnel from the National Formed Police Unit (FPU), Ashanti, to restore law and order.
The security forces were mobilized from the Bono East and Ahafo regions following violent clashes that left one person dead and three police officers injured.
The violence erupted on Tuesday, 10th September 2024, around 11:00 a.m., when supporters of Nana Sammor Duah II, a faction in the long-standing Sampa chieftaincy dispute, reportedly launched an armed attack on the family of rival claimant Nana Samgba Gyafla II.
The attack followed news that the National House of Chiefs had gazetted Nana Samgba Gyafla II as the legitimate Paramount Chief of the Sampa Traditional Area—a move fiercely contested by the opposing faction.
According to police sources, the assailants, some wielding short guns, opened fire indiscriminately, set parts of the local market ablaze, and stormed the residence of Nana Samgba Gyafla II.
In the attack, 65-year-old Raheal Abena Anima was fatally shot inside the house. The home of Abu Mahama, head of the Samgba Gyafla II family, was also set on fire.
A police team led by ASP Stanley Baku, Sampa District Commander, and ASP Solomon Okyere, FPU Commander, responded swiftly but encountered heavy gunfire.
Three officers sustained minor gunshot injuries Constable Boakye Theophilus (Banda Ahenkro FPU), Constable Danso Asare (Banda Ahenkro FPU) and Constable Osei Emmanuel (Sunyani OPS).
The injured officers were treated at Sampa Hospital and later discharged. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Sampa Hospital morgue for autopsy and further investigations.
In response to the escalation, the Ghana Police Service has intensified patrols in the area. The Bono Regional Commander and the Regional Crime Officer have also arrived in Sampa with reinforcement teams to stabilize the situation and prevent further violence.
Police say calm has since been restored, and they are maintaining a heavy presence in the township. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
