In a significant development in the Sampa Traditional Area, Nana Samgba Gyafla II has been officially gazetted as the Omanhene by the National House of Chiefs. This follows a landmark ruling by the Kumasi High Court, which directed the Bono Regional House of Chiefs to process and submit his chieftaincy declaration forms for gazetting in the National Register of Chiefs within 21 days.
The gazetting of Nana Gyafla II brings to an end a prolonged chieftaincy dispute that had engulfed the Sampa Traditional Area. The Omanhene’s installation had been contested by another claimant, Nana Yaw Sammor-Duah II, who was sworn in as Paramount Chief of Sampa in 2015. However, the court’s ruling in favor of Nana Gyafla II has paved the way for his recognition as the legitimate Omanhene.
Background to the Dispute
The chieftaincy dispute in Sampa dates back to 2015 when Nana Yaw Sammor-Duah II was installed as Omanhene by a faction. However, Nana Samgba Gyafla II was later enstooled as the new Sampahene, sparking a fresh round of tensions. The dispute has since been the subject of intense litigation, with the Kumasi High Court ultimately ruling in favor of Nana Gyafla II.
Implications of the Gazetting
The gazetting of Nana Gyafla II is expected to bring stability to the Sampa Traditional Area, which has been plagued by violence and tensions in recent years. In April 2024, deadly clashes broke out in Sampa, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The Omanhene had appealed for peace and calm, urging the business community to continue their activities while security agencies worked to investigate the incident and bring perpetrators to book.
With his official gazetting, Nana Gyafla II is now recognized as the legitimate Omanhene of Sampa, and his leadership is expected to usher in a new era of peace and development in the traditional area.