Kantanka Family Rejects Akofena’s Claim to Kristo Asafo Leadership

By Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | June 22, 2026

The family of the late Apostle Emeritus Prof. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka has rejected claims by his son, Israel Nana Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as Akofena, to the leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission, insisting that the succession arrangements established by the late founder remain legally binding.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the family reaffirmed that former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, remains the recognized Head of the Kwadwo Safo Family and continues to represent the family’s interests.

The statement comes amid an escalating succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the death of Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka in September 2025. The disagreement has intensified in recent days, culminating in legal battles and a shooting incident involving Adwoa Safo.

According to the family, the late founder had initially appointed Israel Safo as his successor in 2017, entrusting him with leadership responsibilities within the church and oversight of several businesses under the Kristo Asafo conglomerate. However, the family alleged that the mandate was subsequently revoked in 2024 after concerns emerged over the management of the organization and alleged departures from the founder’s vision.

The family further claimed that Apostle Kwadwo Safo later appointed Sarah Adwoa Safo as Head of the Family and established a revised succession roadmap that excluded Israel Safo from future leadership of the Mission.

Despite these claims, the Kristo Asafo Mission on Sunday announced the installation of Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I as the new leader of the church, describing the development as a significant milestone in the Mission’s history. The installation, however, took place amid legal challenges and a court action seeking to prevent his recognition as leader.

Two members of the church have filed a suit at the Accra High Court seeking a declaration that the church’s constitution does not permit Akofena’s installation and asking the court to restrain him from holding himself out as the church’s leader.

The family also alleged that an attempt by Adwoa Safo to serve court documents on her brother on June 21 led to a confrontation during which gunfire was reported. The Ghana Police Service has since launched investigations into the incident and arrested several suspects in connection with the shooting.

In its statement, the family cautioned the public against conducting any business or entering into agreements with Israel Safo that purport to represent the interests, leadership, or assets of either the Kristo Asafo Mission or the Kwadwo Safo Family. It also pledged to pursue all available legal remedies to protect the legacy and wishes of the late founder.

As tensions continue to rise, observers say the dispute could have significant implications for both the leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the future management of the extensive businesses established by Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka.