Former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo has rejected claims that she personally chose the date for her late father’s funeral, insisting that the date was approved by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
She explained that the family followed traditional processes and consulted the Manhyia Palace throughout the funeral arrangements because of her father’s royal lineage in the Ashanti Kingdom.
Her comments follow remarks by her brother, Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I, Head of the Safo Family and leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, that disagreements over the arrangements had not been resolved, making it difficult to confirm a burial date.
Adwoa Safo said preparations for the funeral began after the family completed the 40-day rites for their late father in October.
She said the family could not proceed with the arrangements without seeking approval from the Asantehene due to her father’s royal status.
“My father is from a royal family in the Ashanti Region, and so, for a royal of his calibre, we couldn’t have done anything without consulting the King of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,” she said.
Ms Adwoa Safo disclosed that the family engaged the Manhyia Palace several times and received guidance on the required traditional processes before a date was approved.
“We went back and forth to the palace seeking clearance, guidance and advice on how to proceed. Finally, the King agreed that we had put the necessary arrangements in place and approved a date for us,” she stated.
She stressed that the funeral date was not her personal decision but one sanctioned by the Manhyia Palace.
“I want to state again, for the benefit of those who have pretended they did not hear, that the date is not my date. That date came from the palace,” she said.
The former lawmaker added that anyone seeking a change of date should direct their concerns to the traditional authority that approved it.
“So, if you want the date changed, then go and challenge the authority in the Ashanti Kingdom that approved the date for your father to be buried,” she added.
