A FAMILY rift has erupted over the burial date of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder and leader of Kristo Asafo Mission.
Former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament (MP), Sarah Adwoa Safo, who is the first child, insists that the funeral will be held on July 30, 2026 while the current leader of Kristo Asafo Mission, Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, has dismissed the date as false, describing reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets as inaccurate.
This misunderstanding erupted after the embattled Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, at a press conference, announced the suspension of all burial arrangements, declaring that no funeral would be held until the courts determine issues arising from the late Apostle’s will.
According to him, his decision follows failed efforts and interventions by traditional authorities, church elders and respected personalities to unite members of the family and secure agreement on burial arrangements.
Kwadwo Safo Akofena has therefore instructed his solicitors, Kwame Gyan and Associates, led by Professor Kwame Gyan, to initiate legal proceedings to ensure that the wishes expressed in Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s last will are enforced.
He said his primary objective had always been to ensure that the late Apostle received a dignified burial that reflected his status and lifelong service to the nation.
Will Demands Not Met
After the reading of late Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s will, Nana Akofena said there were high expectations that every directive would be implemented. He explained that Ms. Safo led the reading.
He maintained, however, that some provisions of the will had not been carried out. His main concern was the failure to hand over the Apostle’s mortal remains to the Kantanka family in accordance with the will, which he said was unlawful.
He indicated that other directives expressed by the deceased had also not been implemented, creating further disagreement over burial arrangements.
According to him, those developments complicated efforts to reach consensus among family members and delayed funeral preparations.
Nana Akofena said the family had exhausted all available avenues for an amicable settlement before deciding to seek legal redress.
Adwoa Safo’s Response
However, his sister, Adwoa Safo, in a series of media interviews, has dismissed claims that the burial arrangements for her late father have not been finalised, insisting that the funeral and burial will commence on Thursday, July 30.
Adwoa Safo asserted that the funeral committee had already concluded arrangements after consulting with key stakeholders, including the Asantehene and former President John Agyekum Kufuor, thereby urging invitees to disregard the statement made by her younger brother, Akofena.
‘On the 30th of July, we will go to Gomoa Mpota to bury my late father. On the 31st of July, we will be at Independence Square to hold a funeral service. Then, on 8th August, we will travel to Asante Mampong in Kumasi for a Thanksgiving Service. So everyone should disregard rumours that the funeral will not take place or that it has been cancelled,’ she said.
Adwoa Safo also disclosed that she underwent a successful surgery after sustaining gunshot injuries during the coronation of Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I.
Background
On May 29, 2026, Adwoa Safo announced burial and funeral arrangements for her late father during a press conference in Accra.
Exactly three weeks and two days after the announcement of the date for the final funeral rites, Adwoa Safo was hospitalised following a shooting incident involving private security stationed at her brother Akofena’s Kwabenya residence on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
She was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra for treatment, and later referred to the Bank Hospital for specialist care to remove bullet pellets. Her Special Assistant confirmed she had undergone two surgeries and was receiving medical supervision.
Following the June 21, 2026 shooting, police launched a search at Akofena’s home which led to the retrieval of 120 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 50 rounds of 45 calibre ammunition, 25 rounds of 40 calibre ammunition, additional loaded magazines, and two Glock pistols, one of which is registered in his name.
The police say this was part of the evidence linked to the shooting incident where Adwoa Safo’s vehicle was allegedly riddled with about 45 rounds of gunfire.
Akofena and eight others were arrested and arraigned at the Adenta Circuit Court over the shooting and were granted bail totaling GHS4.5 million (GHS500,000 each with two sureties).