Violence has escalated in Sampa in the Bono Region, leaving one person dead and several others seriously injured following clashes linked to the protracted chieftaincy dispute.

The latest incident, which occurred on Saturday night, marks a dangerous turn in a crisis that traditional leaders have repeatedly warned could spiral out of control if urgent intervention is not taken.

Residents say the number of injured persons continues to rise, with many sustaining serious wounds amid the unrest.

The violence comes against the backdrop of a long-standing dispute over the Sampa paramount stool, which was subjected to nearly two decades of arbitration under the authority of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The process culminated in the gazetting of Nana Samgba Gyaflaa II as the legitimate Paramount Chief.

However, resistance from an opposing faction has persisted, leading to recurring tensions and now renewed violence.

Traditional leaders had earlier appealed to the President to enforce court orders, protect the gazetted chief, and prevent Sampa from becoming another conflict hotspot.

With the latest casualties recorded, that appeal has taken on renewed urgency