Accra High Court Halts Funeral of Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo Kantanka

The injunction follows an application filed by the Kristo Asafo Mission. According to Nana Kofi Safo Kantanka, the lawyer representing the mission, the legal action is connected to issues regarding the estate of the late industrialist and inventor. The court’s decision disrupts a schedule that had slated the funeral to begin on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Family Dispute Over Burial Authority

The legal intervention is the culmination of a public rift within the Safo family over who possesses the authority to oversee the funeral and implement the final wishes of the founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Group. Sarah Adwoa Safo, the first child of the deceased, had maintained that the arrangements had received approval from the Manhyia Palace and would proceed as planned.

Conversely, Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, the current leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission, had previously dismissed the July 30 date as false. Akofena Kantanka announced the suspension of all burial arrangements during a press conference, stating that no funeral should occur until the courts resolve issues arising from the late Apostle’s will. He noted that this decision followed unsuccessful attempts by church elders, traditional authorities, and other respected personalities to unite the family.

Allegations of Will Violations

Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka instructed his solicitors, Kwame Gyan and Associates, to initiate legal proceedings to ensure the enforcement of the deceased’s last will. Akofena Kantanka alleged that several provisions of the will—which was read by Ms. Safo—have not been carried out. A primary concern cited was the failure to hand over the mortal remains of the Apostle to the Kantanka family, an act Akofena Kantanka described as unlawful.

The dispute has been marked by significant tension. Sarah Adwoa Safo previously warned her brother against disrupting the burial at Gomoa Mpota or memorial events scheduled for July 31 at Independence Square and August 8 at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi. She claimed that any interference would violate a court-ordered bail bond requiring good behaviour.

History of Conflict and Violence

The family disagreement has been accompanied by physical violence. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, Sarah Adwoa Safo was hospitalized after a shooting incident involving private security at the Kwabenya residence of her brother, Akofena. She was treated at the 37 Military Hospital and the Bank Hospital to remove bullet pellets. Following this event, Akofena and eight others were arraigned at the Adenta Circuit Court and granted bail totaling GH¢4.5 million, with each individual paying GH¢500,000 with two sureties.

The court is expected to hear the substantive matter within the 10-day window of the current injunction to determine the next steps regarding the burial of the renowned religious leader and industrialist.