The Kristo Asafo Mission has publicly distanced itself from alleged burial and funeral activities at the Apostle Safo Suaye Centre in Gomoa Mpota. The church leadership, including its various organs and councils, reaffirmed support for Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena. They insist the Mission has no involvement in the reported rites.
The church claims the Aduana Kotoko Royal Family of Essumeja secured an injunction against these activities. This legal order restrains all burial and funeral activities related to the matter. The family has also reportedly notified security agencies, requesting them to halt the ongoing events.
This situation underscores a recurring challenge in Ghana regarding property disputes and the enforcement of court orders. Such conflicts can disrupt public order and raise questions about the rule of law. The alleged events at Gomoa Mpota reflect broader issues of institutional authority and legal compliance within the country.
The Kristo Asafo Mission stated, "We wish to state that our leadership is not involved in any way in the supposed burial rites taking place at the Apostle Safo Suaye Centre at Gomoa Mpota." This statement, issued by the church, emphasizes their non-participation. They further accused the Police and National Security of failing to adequately secure the premises or stop the burial, despite being served with the court injunction on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
The implications of this dispute are significant for both the church and the broader legal system. The Mission warned that its members are becoming increasingly frustrated and eager to protect church property. This could lead to heightened tensions if the injunction is not enforced. Decision-makers will need to ensure that legal directives are respected to prevent further escalation and maintain public confidence in the justice system.
The church maintains that the Apostle Safo Suaye Centre and the Museum facility are legitimate properties of the Kristo Asafo Mission. They allege that on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Adwoa Safo, attempted to gain access to the premises. She reportedly demanded keys to the facility from the Museum Facility Management Committee but was refused.
The Kristo Asafo Mission further claimed it received intelligence suggesting an attempt to break into the facility. The church has taken steps to protect the Museum and the Apostle Safo Suaye Centre. However, they expressed disappointment with the police's failure to adequately secure the premises or stop the burial. The Ministry of the Interior has also suspended the activities of the church’s internal security.
This suspension means the church cannot deploy its own security to protect its property. It also cannot rely on state security, according to their statement. The Mission accused the Police and National Security of failing to treat the church fairly. They stressed that Kristo Asafo has never been associated with violence or public disorder.
The church also raised concerns over an alleged plan by Adwoa Safo to deny the late founder a befitting burial. They claimed information suggested a plan to use a decoy body for a secret burial. This would make followers believe their founder had been laid to rest. The Mission stated, "even if a decoy is clandestinely buried, we shall continue to demand the actual body of our dear Founder." These allegations have not been independently verified. Adwoa Safo has not publicly responded to these claims.