Two days to the scheduled burial of Ghana’s greatest inventor, and the Kantanka family drama has entered its most explosive chapter yet.
Sister Says Yes, Brother Says No
The funeral of the late Apostle Emeritus Professor Ing Kwadwo Safo, founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the brain behind the Kantanka brand, is scheduled for July 30 and 31. But whether it actually happens now depends on which sibling you believe.
His son, Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, announced that the burial will not take place, declaring, “I stand on my authority as the Head of the Kantanka Family and the Leader of Kristo Asafo Mission.
There will be no burial held on the 30th of this July.” He has directed Kristo Asafo executives across the country to disregard any funeral date in circulation until the courts resolve the legal battle over their father’s will, with the family engaging the law firm of Kwame Gyan and Associates.
But his sister, former Dome Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo, is having none of it.
“On What Basis?”
Speaking on the Angel Morning Show, an emotional Adwoa Safo told the Kristo Asafo Church and the general public to disregard her brother’s announcement entirely, insisting he has no locus or authority to postpone or cancel the funeral.
Then she went further, revealing what she said she was disclosing publicly for the first time. According to her, from their father’s passing through to the 40 day observation, her brother took no part in the planning, coordination or financial support of any of the activities, yet arrived at the 40 day commemoration with an entourage merely to make an appearance.
She also reminded Ghanaians that her brother once publicly announced his own funeral date for their father, a date that came and went with nothing to show. “If he could not honour his own publicly announced funeral arrangements, on what basis does he now seek to stop one that has been meticulously planned?” she queried, describing his conduct as deeply irresponsible.
According to Adwoa Safo, this funeral is not something anyone can simply wave away. She disclosed that the arrangements were made in close consultation with the Manhyia Palace, with His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II personally playing a pivotal role in determining the dates, and that the programme has the Palace’s blessing.
She added that official invitations have gone to the President, former Presidents Kufuor and Akufo-Addo, the Speaker of Parliament and numerous dignitaries, many of whom have confirmed attendance, and that all logistical preparations are complete.
Most touching of all, she revealed she was at her father’s bedside in his final moments, and that before his passing, the Apostle entrusted her with personal responsibilities to carry out after his death, a duty she described as sacred. “At this stage, there is simply no basis whatsoever for anyone to suggest that the funeral will be cancelled,” she asserted.
It must be noted that the dispute runs deep. The family faction aligned with Akofena has alleged that Adwoa Safo demanded GH₵3.7 million before burial arrangements could proceed, a claim contained in a statement that described the previously announced dates as null and void.
Her legal team has pushed back, with her lawyer reportedly maintaining that Akofena was removed from his position before their father’s death and that the will does not name a church leader.
None of these competing claims about the will has been determined by any court, and the matter is now the subject of legal proceedings.
So here we are. One sibling says July 30, backed by Manhyia and a list of presidents. Another says over his authority, backed by lawyers and the family statement. And somewhere in the middle lies the body of the man who built cars, planes, and a church from Ghanaian soil, still waiting for his final rest.
Whatever happens on Thursday, Ghana will be watching. And Ghbase will be right here to bring you every development
