Former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has been referred from the 37 Military Hospital to Bank Hospital in Accra for specialist treatment after medical examinations revealed bullet pellets and shattered glass fragments lodged close to her brain following a shooting incident linked to an ongoing family dispute.
The former lawmaker disclosed the development while receiving treatment, days after sustaining injuries during the June 21 incident at a residence associated with her younger brother, Israel Kwadwo Safo.
According to Ms Safo, doctors discovered fragments believed to be bullet pellets, along with pieces of shattered glass, embedded in her head during medical assessments conducted after the shooting. She explained that specialists at the 37 Military Hospital subsequently recommended her transfer to Bank Hospital, where experts are expected to undertake procedures to remove the foreign objects and prevent possible complications.
Shooting Linked to Family Dispute
The incident has drawn nationwide attention as it unfolds against the backdrop of an escalating leadership and succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the death of its founder, Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo.
According to the Kwadwo Safo family, Ms Safo had visited her brother’s residence as part of efforts to serve a court injunction aimed at halting a planned installation ceremony reportedly intended to declare Israel Safo as leader of the church.
The family alleges that gunfire broke out during the encounter, leaving Ms Safo injured and causing damage to her vehicle.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, Ms Safo rejected claims that she had arrived at the residence armed or with hostile intentions. She maintained that she had visited the premises as a family member and was not accompanied by any security personnel.
The former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection also denied reports suggesting she rammed her vehicle into the property’s gate before the shooting occurred.
She challenged journalists to inspect the vehicle, which is currently in police custody, insisting that the damage observed was consistent with gunfire rather than a collision.
Police Arrest Three Suspects
The Ghana Police Service has intensified investigations into the incident.
In a statement issued on Monday, police confirmed the arrest of Israel Safo in connection with the shooting. According to investigators, he voluntarily reported to the Greater Accra Regional Police Headquarters on June 22 before being transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to assist with ongoing investigations.
Police further disclosed that a search of his residence and vehicle in Kwabenya led to the recovery of a large cache of firearms and ammunition.
Items reportedly seized include 120 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 50 rounds of .45 calibre ammunition, 25 rounds of .40 calibre ammunition, loaded magazines and two Glock pistols, one of which was registered in his name.
Investigators subsequently arrested two additional suspects — Nana Kwaku Afriyie and Kwadwo Safo Koomson — in connection with the case.
The three suspects are assisting police with investigations and are expected to face court proceedings as authorities continue gathering evidence.
Succession Dispute Deepens
The shooting has further intensified the already contentious succession battle within the Kristo Asafo Mission.
Members of the Kwadwo Safo family maintain that unresolved legal and customary issues remain regarding the church’s leadership and have questioned efforts to install Israel Safo as successor.
According to the family, legal proceedings had already been initiated to challenge the planned installation, resulting in the court injunction that became central to the dispute.
The family has appealed for calm and urged church members and the public to allow state institutions to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, concern continues to grow over Ms Safo’s condition as she undergoes specialist treatment, with relatives, political associates and supporters expressing hope for her full recovery.
Medical officials have yet to indicate when the procedure to remove the bullet pellets and glass fragments will be carried out.
