By Issah Olegor
The family of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo has intensified its demand for justice following the shooting incident involving former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya and former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Sarah Adwoa Safo, calling on the Ghana Police Service and other state authorities to immediately review the criminal case and prosecute Israel Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, for attempted murder.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Thursday, members of the Kwadwo Safo family expressed disappointment over the charges currently before the court, insisting that the facts surrounding the shooting warrant far more serious charges than those currently preferred by prosecutors.
The family maintained that the handling of the case has left them dissatisfied and has raised concerns about whether justice will ultimately be served.
The latest developments follow a violent confrontation within the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kwadwo Safo family, which erupted amid a long-running succession dispute after the death of Apostle Kwadwo Safo on September 11, 2025.
Before his passing, the renowned inventor, industrialist and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission reportedly made changes to the church’s succession arrangements. Although he had initially designated his son, Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena, as his successor in 2017, sections of the family contend that the appointment was revoked in 2024 after disagreements over the administration of the church and the management of the Kantanka Group of Companies.
According to the family, Apostle Kwadwo Safo subsequently appointed his daughter, Sarah Adwoa Safo, as Head of the Kwadwo Safo Family and outlined a new succession roadmap that excluded Akofena from the future leadership of the church.
Tensions over the succession reportedly escalated in recent weeks when supporters of Akofena allegedly attempted to organise an installation ceremony to declare him leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission.
Members of the family opposed the move, insisting it was contrary to the wishes of the late founder. Court proceedings were subsequently initiated to stop the planned ceremony.
According to the family, Adwoa Safo personally attempted to serve court processes on her younger brother on June 21, 2026, when the confrontation allegedly turned violent.
They claim she came under gunfire during the encounter, sustaining injuries that required urgent medical attention.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Ghana Police Service, leading to the arrest of Akofena and several other suspects.
On Monday, June 22, 2026, the Adenta Circuit Court granted Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena and eight other accused persons bail in the sum of GH¢500,000 each with two justified sureties pending the continuation of the case.
However, speaking on behalf of the family, spokesperson Dr. Emmanuel Boakye argued that the court’s decision was influenced by the charges presented by prosecutors rather than the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
“We are not blaming the court because the court acted on what the prosecution brought before it. None of the arrested persons, including those who were allegedly wearing military uniforms, was charged with attempted murder. We are therefore appealing to the police and all those handling the matter to ensure that Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo gets justice,” he stated.
Dr. Boakye disclosed that lawyers representing the family are preparing petitions to the Attorney-General, the Chief Justice and the Inspector-General of Police requesting a review of the charges and a fresh assessment of the evidence gathered during investigations.
According to him, the family believes attempted murder charges should be added if the available evidence supports such action.
The family further revealed that although Adwoa Safo has been discharged from emergency treatment, she continues to undergo extensive medical care as doctors monitor the injuries she allegedly sustained during the shooting.
They disclosed that she remains under specialist observation and continues to undergo MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, neurological examinations and several other medical procedures to assess the impact of pellets and other injuries allegedly sustained during the incident.
According to the family, beyond the physical injuries, the former Deputy Majority Leader continues to deal with the psychological trauma associated with the attack.
The family also criticised what they described as Akofena’s conduct after securing bail. They referred to videos circulating on social media showing him dancing and celebrating after leaving court, describing the scenes as insensitive given the condition of Adwoa Safo and the seriousness of the allegations before the court.
Beyond the legal proceedings, the controversy has exposed deep divisions within one of the most recognised religious and industrial families.
Youngest Kwadwo Safo Jnr
Kwadwo Safo Jnr., the youngest son of the late Apostle, lamented that the ongoing public disputes have severely damaged the image and legacy painstakingly built by their father over several decades.
“Our late father left a very good legacy for us. In the past, whenever you introduced yourself as a child of Apostle Kwadwo Safo, people respected and admired you. Today, when you mention that name, people become afraid because they associate the family with violence. I believe wherever our father is, he is deeply disappointed in us,” he said.
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He cautioned that the persistent conflicts could undermine the future of the Kantanka business empire by discouraging investors and eroding public confidence in the family and the institutions founded by the late Apostle.
“If we continue fighting among ourselves, we will destroy everything our father built. Investors will lose confidence, businesses will suffer and the entire legacy will be affected. We thank God that Adwoa Safo is alive today,” he added.
The family also explained that prior to the incident, Adwoa Safo had initiated efforts to bring all her siblings together in the spirit of reconciliation ahead of their father’s final burial. According to them, her objective was to promote unity within the family while allowing legal processes concerning the leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission to run their course peacefully.
Adding his voice to the matter, fashion entrepreneur and public figure Richard Brown, popularly known as Osebo, appealed to leaders and members of the Kristo Asafo Mission to embrace peace, unity and justice.
He urged all parties to put aside their differences and protect the legacy of Apostle Kwadwo Safo while allowing the courts and security agencies to independently determine the criminal aspects of the case.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has not publicly indicated whether additional charges will be preferred against any of the accused persons. Investigations into the shooting remain ongoing as the criminal case continues before the courts.
