Counsel for the Kristo Asafo Mission Church, Nana Kofi Safo Kantanka, has clarified that the will of the late Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka designates Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena as head of the Kantanka family, not as leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission Church.
His remarks follow reports that the founder’s will, read at the Accra High Court, named Akofena as his successor. Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Monday, July 6, the lawyer explained that the will specifically affirms Akofena’s role as family head, stressing that this position is distinct from the leadership of the church.
According to him, while the reading of the will settles the matter of family leadership, the question of who succeeds Apostle Safo as head of the Kristo Asafo Mission remains a decision for the church. “He is the successor, but only as the head of the Kantanka family. That role does not extend to the church,” Nana Kofi Safo Kantanka emphasised.
The lawyer explained that the early reading of the will was an exception to the usual practice because of the disputes that have emerged following Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s death. He noted that probate proceedings would only commence after the funeral and burial, with the reading intended to clarify the contents of the will and help preserve the estate in the interim.
This development also comes amid controversies following Kristo Asafo Mission member Richard Brown, popularly known as Osebo the Zaraman, withdrawing his earlier claim that Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena was named as the successor in the will of the late Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka.
He now says the claim was false, stating that the will contains no provision naming Akofena or any other individual as the successor. According to Osebo, the will does not designate any specific son to succeed the late founder, adding that any of the sons may be considered for the leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission.
The succession process has, however, been marred by divisions within the family and the mission, culminating in a shooting incident at Akofena’s residence. The incident left Sarah Adwoa Safo in critical condition, with the family expressing plans to fly her abroad to receive further medical treatment.
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Source: Juliana Odame Asare
