Lawyer says Kwadwo Safo Akofena was only introduced, not installed as Kristo Asafo leader

A lawyer for the Kristo Asafo Mission has said a gathering that preceded recent violent disturbances within the church was intended only to introduce a proposed successor to the late founder, Apostle Kwadwo Safo, and not to formally install him as leader.

Nana Kofi Safo Kantanka said the event was organised to present Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena as the Council of Elders' preferred candidate to succeed the late founder, stressing that no inauguration, installation or coronation had taken place.

His comments follow growing tensions within the Kristo Asafo family over the church's succession process, which culminated in a chaotic confrontation during which former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, was reportedly injured by gunfire.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, Nana Kofi Safo Kantanka said the succession process was being conducted in accordance with the church's constitution, which sets out procedures following the death of its founder.

He explained that under the constitution, the Chairman of the Council of Elders assumes administrative responsibility for the church in an acting capacity for three months after the founder's death. During that period, the council is tasked with identifying a substantive successor.

According to the lawyer, the process began shortly after Apostle Kwadwo Safo's death and involved consultations and assessments of all eligible candidates. He said the church's constitution restricts eligibility for succession to the founder's male children.

Nana Kofi Safo Kantanka said all three eligible sons participated in a selection process overseen and documented by the Council of Elders, which eventually identified Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena as its preferred choice.

He added that both male and female members of the founder's family were consulted throughout the process and that no objections were raised during those discussions.

"The purpose of the gathering was simply to introduce Akofena. It was not an inauguration, installation or coronation. The formal processes were expected to take place after the funeral rites of the late founder," he said.

The clarification comes amid a deepening dispute over the leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission.

Earlier, the family of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo issued a statement rejecting what it described as the purported assumption of leadership by Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena.

The family said it does not recognise any installation of a new leader, arguing that such a move would be contrary to the wishes of the late founder and inconsistent with provisions of the church's constitution, as amended in 2024.