The Head of the Kantanka Family and Leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana (KAMOG), Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I, has announced that the family is heading to court to ensure the final wishes of the late Apostle Prof. Emeritus Kwadwo Safo are carried out.
The decision follows what Nana Akofena described as months of unsuccessful attempts to resolve disagreements surrounding the burial and funeral arrangements of the renowned inventor, industrialist and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, he said the family had instructed the law firm, Kwame Gyan & Associates, to commence legal proceedings after efforts to reach an amicable settlement failed.
“This decision has been taken with great reluctance and only after exhausting every reasonable avenue for an amicable resolution,” Nana Akofena stated.
According to him, since the passing of Apostle Safo, he and members of the Aduana Kotoko Royal Family had engaged relatives and key stakeholders in a series of reconciliation efforts aimed at achieving consensus on the funeral arrangements.
He said the initiatives included discussions with members of the immediate family, among them his sister and former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, as well as consultations with church elders, traditional rulers and queen mothers.
“Unfortunately, despite these numerous interventions and goodwill efforts, the desired reconciliation has not been achieved,” he said, describing the outcome as disappointing in light of the unity his late father promoted throughout his life.
Nana Akofena also raised concerns over the execution of the late Apostle’s will, arguing that some of its provisions had not been implemented as intended.
“Regrettably, in my view, the implementation of those wishes has not proceeded in the manner contemplated by the Will,” he stated.
He further claimed that the Kantanka Family had not been given custody of the late Apostle’s mortal remains despite what he said were provisions contained in the will, adding that this and other unresolved issues had complicated efforts to agree on the burial.
Expressing confidence in the judicial process, Nana Akofena said the family was seeking legal clarification to ensure that the wishes of the late church leader were respected.
“The courts will ensure that justice is served and that the wishes expressed by our late father are duly respected,” he said.
He appealed to members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, the Kantanka Family and the general public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information that could prejudice the legal proceedings.
“I wish to assure all members of Kristo Asafo Mission, the Kantanka Family, our sympathisers and the good people of Ghana that every lawful and appropriate effort will continue to be made to ensure that Apostle Prof. Emeritus Kwadwo Safo is accorded a befitting burial in accordance with his wishes,” he added.
