Shocking Family Feud: Adwoa Safo Embroiled in Bitter Dispute Over Deceased Father’s Body

A profound and multi-layered dispute has engulfed the family of the late Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, primarily involving his children, Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I and Sarah Adwoa Safo, concerning funeral arrangements, leadership succession for the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, and critically, the custody of their father's remains. This escalating family standoff has prompted public statements from various parties, highlighting deep divisions and a breakdown in reconciliation efforts.

Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I, who is both the Head of the Safo Family and the leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission, has publicly stated that he has exhausted all possible avenues to reconcile with his sister, Sarah Adwoa Safo, following their father's passing. Speaking to Adom News, Akofena revealed that he had enlisted the help of several prominent individuals, including chiefs and former presidents, in an attempt to broker peace. He recounted driving to his sister’s house to speak with her directly, emphasizing that going public was a desperate last resort after all private efforts had failed. His comments came amidst a heated disagreement, particularly after he declared the July 30 burial date for their late father null and void, a move his sister vehemently rejected, insisting the funeral would proceed as scheduled.

However, former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo has presented a contrasting narrative, rejecting her brother’s claims regarding reconciliation. In an interview with Channel One, the former Gender Minister asserted that a meeting Akofena had with former President John Agyekum Kufuor was not for family reconciliation, but rather to lobby for support for his ambition to lead the Kristo Asafo Mission. Ms. Safo initially believed that genuine progress was being made towards reconciliation when her brother reached out, an initiative she welcomed and even supported, including assisting with his children's school fees. She expressed profound disappointment upon discovering that the engagement with former President Kufuor had a different agenda, stating, "He went to President Kufuor not to seek reconciliation. He went to President Kufuor to talk to me to make him the leader of the church." Furthermore, she maintained that the decision on who succeeds as the leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission does not rest with her, stressing that it must be determined by the church’s established processes and the specific wishes expressed by their late father before his demise. She reiterated her inability to support her brother’s leadership ambition due to these directives left by Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka. Despite the mission’s previous statement of not being officially informed of an agreed burial date, Ms. Safo has affirmed that all funeral arrangements are finalized, with rites set to commence on Thursday, July 30.

Adding another critical dimension to the conflict, Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, Family Secretary of the Aduana (Kotoko) Royals of Essumeja, revealed that the primary dispute is not the burial date itself, but rather the custody of Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka’s remains. Dr. Siaw Kissi accused Sarah Adwoa Safo of actively preventing other family members from accessing the body. He explained that according to customary practice, the family holds responsibility for funeral arrangements and custody of the deceased. He alleged that Ms. Safo, having handled the initial documentation at Transitions, is now using this to deny the family access to the body. Alarmingly, he stated that none of Apostle Safo’s six children, apart from Adwoa Safo, have been allowed to see their father’s remains or even his coffin since his death. The family secretary questioned the cultural appropriateness of Ms. Safo's unilateral insistence on proceeding with the funeral under such circumstances.

With mediation efforts having failed, the family has now resolved to pursue legal action. Dr. Siaw Kissi emphasized that despite various internal attempts to resolve the matter, they have been left with no alternative. He also raised concerns about unconfirmed but persistent allegations that certain individuals, identified as "prophets," have been influencing Ms. Safo regarding the burial, with some even reportedly demanding a part of the deceased’s body. While the family initially considered these mere allegations, the unfolding events are increasingly leading them to believe their truth. The family stressed their willingness to collaborate but insisted that customary authority must be respected. They also expressed readiness to address any outstanding issues, including financial concerns that arose during previous discussions. Dr. Siaw Kissi made a fervent appeal to members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, political actors, and traditional leaders to refrain from taking sides until the family’s concerns regarding customary practices and custody are fully addressed. He concluded by asserting that while the disagreement should not overshadow Apostle Safo’s significant contributions and legacy, the funeral must ultimately proceed in strict adherence to customary expectations.