The family of the late Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo is accusing his daughter, Sarah Adwoa Safo, of preventing them from accessing his remains. This dispute over the custody of the body has led the family to consider legal action after failed mediation attempts. The family states that customary law dictates they should have custody of the deceased's body for funeral arrangements, not the daughter.
Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, Family Secretary of the Aduana (Kotoko) Royals of Essumeja, confirmed the family's intention to pursue legal avenues. He explained that Adwoa Safo handled the initial documentation at Transitions after her father's death. This action, according to Dr. Siaw Kissi, has been used to deny the family access to the body. The family emphasizes that customary practice gives them the responsibility for funeral arrangements and custody of the deceased.
This conflict underscores the tension between modern legal processes and deeply ingrained traditional customs in Ghana. Funeral rites are significant cultural events, often involving extensive family participation and adherence to specific customary protocols. Disputes over these arrangements can cause considerable distress and division within families, impacting social cohesion and respect for tradition. The situation also raises questions about the interpretation and enforcement of customary law in contemporary Ghanaian society.
Dr. Siaw Kissi stated on JoyNews Today that the central issue is the family's right to custody of the body. He claimed that even Apostle Safo’s six other children have not seen their father’s remains since his death. Dr. Siaw Kissi also mentioned unconfirmed allegations about individuals making demands regarding the handling of the remains, including prophecies about the burial and desires for parts of the body.
The family is not against collaboration but insists on the respect of customary authority. They are prepared to resolve outstanding issues, including any financial concerns that have arisen during discussions. This commitment to dialogue, despite the current impasse, indicates a desire to find a resolution that honors both the deceased's legacy and family traditions. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for similar cases involving prominent figures and their families.
The family has appealed to members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, political actors, and traditional leaders to remain neutral until their concerns are addressed. Dr. Siaw Kissi stressed that the disagreement should not overshadow Apostle Safo’s significant contributions and legacy. However, he maintained that the funeral must proceed according to established customary expectations. This call for neutrality highlights the public and potentially political dimensions of such high-profile family disputes in Ghana.
The legal action, if pursued, will likely involve a complex interplay of statutory law and customary law, which often coexist in Ghana's legal system. The courts will need to consider the validity of Adwoa Safo's actions in light of traditional practices governing the deceased's body. This case could bring greater clarity to the legal standing of customary practices in modern Ghanaian society, especially concerning funeral arrangements and family authority. The broader implications extend to how families navigate grief and tradition in an evolving legal landscape.