By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Accra, July 27, GNA – Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, the Head of the Kantanka Family and Leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, says he has instructed his lawyers to commence legal proceedings to ensure the burial and final funeral rites of the late Apostle Professor Emeritus Kwadwo Safo.
At a media engagement in Accra on Monday, Nana Akofena said the decision followed failed attempts to achieve consensus within the family on how to lay their patriarch to rest, in line with his last Will and testament.
“It pains me deeply to discuss matters relating to my family and the Church in the public domain, however, circumstances beyond my control have compelled me to speak publicly to protect the truth, preserve the dignity of our late father, and provide clarity to the many people who continue to seek guidance on these matters,” he added.
Nana Akofena disclosed that since the passing of Apostle Safo, he and members of the Aduana Kotoko Royal Family had made “every reasonable effort” to unite the family for a befitting burial.
He added that he had personally reached out to his siblings, including Madam Sarah Adwoa Safo, and sought the intervention of church elders, chiefs, queen mothers, and other traditional leaders.
“Unfortunately, despite these numerous interventions and goodwill efforts, the desired reconciliation has not been achieved,” he stated, describing the outcome as “deeply disappointing.”
The family head alleged that following the reading of the late Apostle’s Will, which was led by Madam Sarah Adwoa Safo, the directives contained in the document had not been fully implemented.
“Particularly, the Kantanka family has not been given custody of the mortal remains of our late father, notwithstanding the provisions of the Will, adding that this, together with other matters… has further complicated efforts to achieve unity and consensus regarding his burial and final funeral rites.”
As a result, Nana Akofena said the family had engaged the law firm of Kwame Gyan & Associates, led by Prof. Kwame Gyan, Esq., to seek court intervention.
“This decision has been taken with great reluctance and only after exhausting every reasonable avenue for an amicable resolution,” he noted.
He expressed confidence that the courts would ensure “justice is served and that the wishes expressed by our late father are duly respected.”
Nana Akofena appealed to members of Kristo Asafo Mission, the Kantanka Family, and the public to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information that could worsen divisions.
“It is our collective responsibility not to allow our differences to overshadow the extraordinary legacy of a man whose life was dedicated to faith, innovation, industrialisation, national development, and service to humanity,” he said.
He assured Ghanaians that every lawful effort would be made to ensure the late Apostle Prof. Kwadwo Safo received “a befitting burial in accordance with his wishes, the customs of the family, and all applicable customary and legal requirements.
He urged the public to discard any earlier communicated date for his father’s funeral as it was not from the family.
The late Apostle Prof. Emeritus Kwadwo Safo was a renowned industrialist, inventor, and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission. Funeral arrangements have been delayed amid the family dispute.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Email: [email protected]