A growing leadership dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana has moved to the courts after the High Court in Accra stopped plans to install Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena as successor to the church’s late founder, Apostle Kwadwo Safo.
The legal challenge was brought by two senior members of the church, Kweku Agyenim Boateng, a former Deputy General Secretary, and Seth Appiah Richard Brown, who are questioning the validity of the succession process.
According to the suit, the plaintiffs believe changes made to the church’s constitution in 2024 altered the established succession arrangement and therefore disqualify Israel Kwadwo Safo, widely known as Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, from assuming leadership.
They argue that the constitutional changes reflected what they describe as Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s final intentions regarding who should lead the mission after his death.
Through the action before the court, the plaintiffs are seeking declarations affirming that both the 2017 Constitution of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the amended 2024 version remain the highest governing authority of the church and that any leadership transition must strictly comply with those provisions.
They are also requesting an order preventing Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena from presenting himself as the leader of the church.
Additionally, the suit seeks a perpetual injunction to stop the church, the Council of Elders and other officials from appointing, installing, introducing or recognising him as leader until all constitutional requirements have been satisfied.
The plaintiffs maintain that uncertainty surrounding the succession process has created tension, anxiety and divisions among church members and could affect the unity and stability of the mission.
A penal notice attached to the court process further cautions the defendants and members of the Council of Elders against proceeding with the installation while the matter remains before the court.
The notice warns that anyone who ignores the court process could face contempt proceedings and penalties under the law, including possible imprisonment.
The dispute follows the passing of Apostle Kwadwo Safo in September 2025, an event that sparked discussions and differing views over the future leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission.
