The family of the late founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission, Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo, has threatened legal action against former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, over what they describe as her refusal to release the remains of the deceased to the family.
According to the Family Secretary of the Aduana (Kotoko) Royals of Essumeja, Dr Philip Siaw Kissi, the dispute surrounding Apostle Safo’s funeral is not primarily about the date of burial, but rather who has legal and customary custody of his body.
Speaking on JoyNews Today on Tuesday, July 28, Dr Siaw Kissi stated that Ghanaian custom places responsibility for funeral arrangements and custody of a deceased person on the family, not an individual relative.
He alleged that Sarah Adwoa Safo took charge of all documentation at the funeral home following her father’s death, a move he says has prevented the family from accessing the remains.
“The central issue is that custom demands that when someone dies, the family is supposed to take custody of the body. It’s not the daughter,” he said.
Dr Siaw Kissi further disclosed that none of Apostle Safo’s six children, including his siblings and close relatives, had reportedly been allowed to view his remains since his passing.
He expressed concern over public comments suggesting that Adwoa Safo intends to proceed with funeral arrangements despite the family’s objections, insisting that such an approach contradicts Ghanaian cultural norms.
According to him, several attempts to resolve the impasse through mediation have failed, compelling the family to consider legal action to assert what it believes are its customary rights.
The family secretary also raised concerns over unverified reports that some individuals had allegedly influenced decisions surrounding the burial. He said allegations that spiritual directions and prophecies were informing decisions on the handling of Apostle Safo’s remains had heightened the family’s anxieties.
Dr Siaw Kissi, however, stressed that the family remains open to dialogue and is willing to address all outstanding issues, including financial matters that may have arisen during discussions.
He appealed to members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, political figures, and traditional authorities to remain neutral while efforts are made to resolve the dispute.
Despite the growing tension, Dr Siaw Kissi maintained that the disagreement should not diminish Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s immense contributions to Ghana and his lasting legacy, adding that the family is determined to ensure that his final rites are conducted in accordance with customary traditions.
