In a statement released on October 8, 2026, former Dome Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo announced her recognition of her brother, Israel Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as Akofena, as the leader of the Kantanka family and the Kristo Asafo Church. This move signals a significant shift in the family's prolonged succession dispute. Adwoa Safo stated that she has chosen reconciliation, mutual respect, and family unity over continuing disagreement.
Adwoa Safo expressed her affection and respect for her brother, declaring that in honour of their late father, Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, she accepts Israel Kwadwo Safo as the leader of the Kantanka family and the Kristo Asafo Church. She also stated her readiness to work with her brother and other siblings to advance the vision and legacy of their late father. This development comes after months of tension surrounding the leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the broader Kantanka family.
The dispute intensified following the death of Apostle Kwadwo Safo in September 2025 and subsequently developed into a public disagreement over succession, family authority, and the leadership of the church. In June 2026, the family had issued a statement rejecting Israel Kwadwo Safo's leadership claim and recognising Adwoa Safo as the head of the Kwadwo Safo family. This disagreement later became particularly tense following an incident involving gunfire during a confrontation connected to efforts surrounding Israel's proposed installation as church leader.
The episode triggered heightened security and further public attention to the family dispute. Adwoa Safo's latest statement now places emphasis on reconciliation and collective responsibility. She called on members of the Kristo Asafo Church, the Kantanka family, and others associated with her father's work to recognise the importance of family unity and support the new direction.
Adwoa Safo urged the family to move beyond the disagreements, misunderstandings, and grievances that emerged following the death of Apostle Kwadwo Safo and to treat the disputes of the past as part of history. She emphasised that her father's legacy belonged collectively to his children and should not be regarded as the possession of one individual.
The declaration represents a major development in the family's succession dispute. Adwoa Safo's endorsement of her brother as leader is expected to reshape the public conversation surrounding the dispute and could provide an opportunity for the family to concentrate on preserving the legacy of Apostle Kwadwo Safo rather than continuing the disagreements that have dominated public attention since his death.
Adwoa Safo expressed the hope that the new phase would bring peace, healing, forgiveness, and renewed strength to the family. Her declaration also signals a willingness to cooperate with Israel and the rest of the family to preserve the institutions and ideals established by their late father. The development is likely to have a positive impact on the family's unity and the Kristo Asafo Church's leadership.
Key points
- Adwoa Safo recognises brother Israel Kwadwo Safo as leader of the Kantanka family and Kristo Asafo Church.
- The move signals a significant shift in the family's prolonged succession dispute.
- Adwoa Safo emphasises reconciliation, mutual respect, and family unity.
