Family takes Apostle Kwadwo Safo burial dispute to court after failed reconciliation

A protracted dispute over the burial arrangements of late Apostle Prof. Emeritus Kwadwo Safo, the renowned inventor and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission, has escalated to the courts. The Kantanka Family, represented by family head Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I, announced on Monday that it has engaged law firm Kwame Gyan & Associates to commence legal proceedings after efforts to reach an amicable settlement proved unsuccessful.

Nana Akofena told journalists that the decision was made reluctantly and only after exhausting all reasonable avenues for peaceful resolution. The family had spent months attempting to broker consensus on funeral arrangements through consultations with immediate family members, including former Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo (Apostle Safo's sister), church elders, traditional rulers and queen mothers. These efforts, however, yielded no breakthrough.

The core issues in dispute

At the heart of the legal action are concerns about the execution of Apostle Safo's will and custody of his remains. Nana Akofena stated that the Kantanka Family has not been given custody of the late Apostle's mortal remains despite what he claims are explicit provisions in the will. He further alleged that several provisions of the will have not been implemented as intended, complicating agreement on the burial.

The family head described the situation as particularly disappointing given that Apostle Safo was known throughout his life for promoting unity and harmony. The unresolved disagreements have prevented the family from organising a befitting burial in accordance with what Nana Akofena characterises as his late father's final wishes.

Expressing confidence in the judicial process, Nana Akofena stated that the courts would provide clarity to ensure Apostle Safo's wishes are properly respected. He appealed to members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, the Kantanka Family and the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could prejudice the legal proceedings.

Why it matters for Ghana

Apostle Prof. Emeritus Kwadwo Safo was a significant figure in Ghanaian religious and industrial circles. As founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission, he led a prominent faith community, and as an inventor and industrialist, he contributed to Ghana's private sector. His death has left a legacy that extends beyond his immediate family to his followers and business interests. The legal dispute over his burial not only affects family relations but also raises questions about property rights, will execution and the role of courts in settling inheritance and burial disputes in Ghana.

The case also touches on broader cultural and legal tensions in Ghana between traditional family structures, religious institutions and statutory law. How the courts resolve this matter could set precedents for similar disputes involving prominent religious figures and industrialists in the future.

• Family seeks enforcement of will provisions regarding custody of remains and burial arrangements
• Months of reconciliation efforts involving family, church elders and traditional leaders failed
• Case raises questions about inheritance law, will execution and burial rights in Ghana