Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, Head of the Kantanka Family and Leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, says he has instructed his lawyers to begin legal proceedings to facilitate the burial and final funeral rites of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo.
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra on Monday, Nana Akofena said the decision followed unsuccessful efforts to reach a consensus within the family on arrangements for the burial, which he said should be conducted in accordance with the late Apostle's 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 said.
According to Nana Akofena, since the death of Apostle Safo, he and members of the Aduana Kotoko Royal Family had made what he described as "every reasonable effort" to unite the family and agree on funeral arrangements.
He said 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 said, describing the outcome as "deeply disappointing."
Nana Akofena further stated that, in his view, following the reading of the late Apostle's Will, 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," he said, adding that this, together with other matters, had "further complicated efforts to achieve unity and consensus regarding his burial and final funeral rites."
The claims and interpretation of the Will expressed by Nana Akofena have not been determined by a court, and no response from Madam Sarah Adwoa Safo or any other parties mentioned was included at the time of publication.
Nana Akofena said the family had engaged the law firm of Kwame Gyan & Associates, led by Prof. Kwame Gyan, to seek the court's intervention.
"This decision has been taken with great reluctance and only after exhausting every reasonable avenue for an amicable resolution," he said.
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 the Kristo Asafo Mission, the Kantanka Family and the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information that could deepen 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 also said every lawful effort would be made to ensure the late Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo received "a befitting burial in accordance with his wishes, the customs of the family, and all applicable customary and legal requirements."
Nana Akofena further urged the public to disregard any previously announced funeral date, saying it had not been communicated by the family.
