A former Minister of State, Sarah Adwoa Safo, yesterday proceeded with the burial of her father, Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, despite an ongoing legal dispute over the organisation of his funeral and burial arrangements.
The burial ceremony, held at Gomoa Mpota in the Central Region, formed part of a three-day funeral programme spanning the Central, Greater Accra and Ashanti regions.
The burial took place while a case concerning the late religious leader's funeral arrangements remained before the High Court, following disagreements among members of his family over his final rites.
The development has heightened public interest in the matter, with attention now turning to the pending court proceedings and the possible implications of the burial on the issues before the court.
The ceremony brought together relatives, members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, traditional leaders, friends and sympathisers who gathered to pay their last respects to the renowned inventor, industrialist and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission.
The dispute over Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka's funeral has been before the High Court following disagreements among family members over who has the authority to organise his funeral and burial.
The legal action arose after conflicting positions emerged over the funeral arrangements and the conduct of the late Apostle's final rites. Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka died after a lifetime of distinguished contributions to technology, engineering and entrepreneurship.
The court is yet to determine the substantive issues raised by the parties, and the case remains pending.
Despite the ongoing proceedings, the burial went ahead as scheduled, with the funeral programme continuing across three regions.
The burial is expected to feature in subsequent court proceedings when the parties return to address the outstanding issues in the case.
Funeral rites
The funeral ceremony witnessed a display of Ghanaian culture, with traditional rites forming part of activities to honour the life and legacy of Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka.
Family members, friends and sympathisers participated in laying wreaths and making funeral donations, while tributes were also paid in recognition of the late Apostle’s contributions to society.
A biography of the late Apostle was read, highlighting key moments in his life, achievements and contributions to the country’s technological and industrial development.
Tributes were also delivered by grandchildren, who reflected on his life, values and influence on generations.
Three-day funeral
The funeral activities are expected to continue in the Greater Accra and the Ashanti Region as part of the three-day programme planned by the family.
The late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka was widely recognised for his work in engineering, automobile manufacturing, agriculture and technology.
He founded the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Group, organisations that became associated with indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship.
