The Head of the Kantanka Family and Leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, Nana Kojo Safo Akofena, has announced the suspension of the burial of his father, Apostle Professor Emeritus Kwadwo Safo.
The funeral, which was scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026, will not take place, Nana Akofena said at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, July 28.
According to him, the decision became necessary due to an unresolved disagreement over the implementation of the late Apostle’s last will. He said all burial arrangements have been put on hold until the courts interpret and enforce the directives contained in the will.
“It has become necessary to suspend the funeral. No burial will take place on July 30 until the courts give clarity on the directives in our father’s will,” he stated.
Nana Akofena said reaching this decision was one of the most difficult moments for him, because matters concerning family and the church are ordinarily resolved privately through dialogue and customary processes.
He explained that in recent weeks there had been uncertainty, speculation and misinformation, which compelled him to speak publicly to clarify the family’s position.
He said his primary objective since his father’s passing had been to ensure that Apostle Kwadwo Safo received a dignified burial that reflected his status and lifelong service to the nation. To that end, he said he had worked with members of the royal family and other stakeholders to plan a befitting funeral.
Nana Akofena disclosed that he personally initiated reconciliation efforts with his siblings, including his elder sister, former Minister of State Sarah Adwoa Safo, to promote harmony within the family. He added that church elders, family heads, chiefs, queen mothers and other eminent leaders were also engaged to help restore unity.
Despite those efforts, he said, the level of agreement required to proceed with the burial was not achieved.
On the will, Nana Akofena said expectations were high after it was read by Ms. Safo that every directive would be implemented. He, however, alleged that some provisions had not been carried out.
He cited, as an example, the failure to hand over custody of his father’s mortal remains to the Kantanka family as stipulated in the will. He said other instructions left by the deceased also remain unimplemented, and those developments have complicated efforts to build consensus.
As a result, Nana Akofena said the family has instructed its solicitors, Kwame Gyan and Associates, led by Professor Kwame Gyan, to commence legal proceedings for the court to interpret and enforce the wishes in the will.
He appealed to members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, sympathisers and the general public to remain calm and to avoid any actions that could undermine the legal process.
