The Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre, Adib Saani, has urged Ghana’s security agencies to closely monitor the growing dispute over the funeral arrangements of the late Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo, warning that the matter has evolved into a potential security concern.
In a statement, Mr Saani said recent events surrounding the disagreement—including ongoing court proceedings, conflicting claims by family members and reports of a shooting incident—suggest the situation requires proactive intervention to safeguard public order.
He cautioned that the dispute has extended beyond a private family disagreement and now carries the risk of attracting supporters with opposing views, increasing the likelihood of confrontation if not carefully managed.
“Such circumstances can easily attract emotionally charged supporters, creating conditions for confrontation even where neither principal intends violence,” he said.
Mr Saani therefore called on all parties to exercise restraint and ensure that the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo is honoured in a peaceful and dignified manner.
“No funeral should become a flashpoint for violence or disorder,” he stated.
He further appealed to the Ghana Police Service and other state security institutions to deploy adequate but impartial security throughout all funeral-related activities. According to him, preventive policing, intelligence gathering, stakeholder engagement and effective crowd management will be essential to maintaining peace.
Mr Saani also stressed the importance of enforcing any lawful directives issued by the courts, arguing that early intervention would help avert unnecessary conflict.
“Preventive action at this stage is far preferable to crisis management after violence has occurred,” he added.
His comments come as members of the Safo family remain divided over the burial arrangements for Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo Kantanka.
Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I, head of the Safo Family and leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, has publicly questioned the planned funeral arrangements. However, former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo has maintained that the burial will proceed according to the announced schedule.
Mr Saani concluded by emphasising that disagreements over succession, estates and funeral arrangements should be resolved through lawful and peaceful means rather than public confrontation.
He said preserving peace throughout the process would be the most fitting way to honour the legacy of the late Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo.
