The family of the late Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo has publicly disavowed all circulating funeral arrangements, insisting that no burial date has received approval from the family head. This announcement aims to clarify confusion caused by various dates shared on social media platforms.
Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, Family Secretary of the Aduana (Kotoko) Royals of Essumeja, confirmed the family's position. He stated that the family was compelled to speak publicly after internal attempts to resolve disagreements over the burial arrangements failed. These disputes involve the custody of Apostle Safo’s remains, the implementation of his final will, and the overall funeral planning process.
This situation highlights the significant role of traditional customs in Ghana, particularly concerning funeral rites and family leadership. In Ghanaian society, the family, rather than an individual child, typically holds the authority to manage and announce funeral arrangements. This cultural norm is central to the current disagreement.
Speaking on Joy News Today on July 28, Dr. Siaw Kissi explained that the matter was intended to remain an internal family discussion. However, the proliferation of misleading information in the public domain necessitated a public clarification. He emphasized that traditional practices dictate the family's oversight of funeral matters.
Dr. Siaw Kissi accused Honourable Adwoa Safo, a daughter of the late Apostle, of acting outside traditional expectations. He alleged that she had taken the lead in announcing funeral arrangements without proper family consensus. Repeated changes in proposed funeral dates, he noted, contributed significantly to the breakdown in discussions among family members.
He recounted that the family had agreed on a date after meeting with some of Apostle Safo’s children. Despite this agreement, another funeral announcement was subsequently made, further complicating the situation. Dr. Siaw Kissi stated that any funeral date announced without the family’s explicit approval should not be recognized by the public.
The family secretary stressed that all announcements and arrangements for the funeral must originate from the family. He urged the public, political leaders, and traditional authorities to await official communication from the family. This official communication will only occur once the family gains access to the remains and completes all necessary traditional processes.
The ongoing dispute underscores the complexities that can arise when traditional customs intersect with modern communication and individual actions. The family's call for public disregard of unofficial dates is a direct appeal for respect for their customary rights and decision-making authority. This situation could potentially delay the final rites for Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo until a consensus is reached and traditional protocols are fully observed.