The Concerned Youth of Asante has condemned what it describes as increasing political and administrative interference in chieftaincy matters by government appointees and security personnel.

Addressing a press conference in Kumasi, the group's president, Nana Agyenim Boateng, popularly known as Gyataba, warned that attempts by some Ministers of State and security agencies to bypass established customary and legal processes could undermine national peace, stability, and the authority of traditional institutions.

The group's concerns stem from an ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Sampa in the Bono Region.

According to Nana Boateng, the Sampamanhene, Nana Samgba Gyafla II, went through all the required customary processes and swore the oath of allegiance before the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. He noted that the chief has also been formally gazetted in the National Register of Chiefs.

He said a rival claimant has since emerged to contest the stool, a development the group believes contributed to recent violence in Sampa, including the killing of Alfred Kofi Sono and Alhaji Abdulai.

Nana Boateng stated that President John Mahama has consistently maintained that the state does not determine who becomes a chief and only recognises individuals who have been duly enstooled and gazetted.

The group called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to arrest Randolph Obah, who they allege is parading himself as a rival chief under the stool name Nana Yaw Sammor-Duah II.

They argued that similar action was taken in the Bawku conflict and that failure to act in this case could create perceptions of unequal treatment.

The Concerned Youth of Asante also demanded the immediate dismissal of the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae, accusing him of contributing to tensions in the area.

Nana Boateng further appealed to President Mahama to ensure that Ministers, Regional Ministers and District Chief Executives refrain from interfering in traditional leadership matters.

He said the group's position aligns with recent remarks by the Asantehene during a sitting of the Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace, where Otumfuo Osei Tutu II cautioned public office holders against disregarding judicial decisions and established customary processes.

While reiterating the group's commitment to peace, Nana Boateng said their restraint should not be interpreted as acceptance of injustice.

He also urged the Ministry of the Interior and other relevant state institutions to remain neutral and uphold the authority of the Houses of Chiefs.