The town of Sampa, capital of the Jaman North District in the Bono Region, has been thrown into turmoil following violent clashes linked to a protracted chieftaincy dispute.
The latest unrest has left one woman dead, a police officer injured by gunfire, and large parts of the Sampa main market destroyed by fire. Several homes have also been set ablaze, forcing terrified residents to flee the town.
Confirming the incident, District Chief Executive (DCE) Adane George described the situation as “volatile and dangerous,” with sporadic gunfire continuing to echo across the community.
“As we speak, there is no peace in Sampa. It’s only gunshots and burning houses. Our main market is on fire. One woman has been killed, and several homes have been set ablaze,” he said.
According to the DCE, the violence appears to have been triggered by reports that the National House of Chiefs was preparing to gazette one of the rival claimants to the Sampa stool, deepening already tense divisions.
“One side heard that the National House of Chiefs would gazette one of the claimants, and that triggered the unrest,” he explained.
The chieftaincy conflict, which dates back to 2022, has long been a source of instability in Sampa. Although the town had enjoyed relative calm in recent months, the violence erupted just hours after the District Security Council (DISEC) convened a meeting to review the existing curfew.
“Today, DISEC had a meeting to review the curfew in place because Sampa has been calm for a while. Unfortunately, the violence broke out before we could even finish the meeting,” Mr. George revealed.
The injured police officer is currently receiving treatment at the hospital, while security reinforcements have been deployed to restore order.
“Many people have fled the town. Others are locked in their rooms. Reinforcements are on their way to stabilize the situation,” the DCE confirmed.
The renewed chaos has once again highlighted the fragility of peace in Sampa, where unresolved chieftaincy tensions continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
