Some of the houses torched
At least six houses belonging to traditional leaders and families aligned with the gazetted Sampahene, Nana Samgba Dzafla II, have been burned down in a wave of violence that has rocked Sampa community in the Bono Region.
The attacks, which occurred over the weekend, have left several families displaced, with victims losing properties and personal belongings to the fires.
Residents say the destruction appears targeted, as homes belonging to individuals associated with the Sampahene were singled out and set ablaze by unidentified assailants.
The burning of homes marks a dangerous escalation in the protracted chieftaincy dispute, which had previously been confined to legal and traditional processes.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as families fled for safety while their homes were engulfed in flames.
The violence has created a humanitarian situation, with affected families now seeking shelter in neighbouring communities.
Community members are calling for urgent intervention by security agencies, warning that continued inaction could lead to further destruction and loss of lives.
Appeal for Peace
Traditional leaders of Sampa Traditional Area in the Bono Region recently called on President John Mahama to help restore peace in the area following recent chieftaincy crisis.
At a press briefing held in Accra, the traditional leaders stated that the dispute in that part of the country is gradually escalating beyond their control.
“What is happening in Sampa is not a mere traditional disagreement. It is a crisis that is festering, escalating, and threatening to spiral beyond control. The tension is real. The pain is real,” the traditional leaders said in a statement signed by Nana Kwadwo Magsah, Kokoahene and Adontehene of Sampa Traditional Council, and Nana Abu Srigbo, Abusuapanin of the Afia Takyiawaa Royal Family.