Adwoa Safo demanding GH₵3.7 million to release father’s body for funeral, burial— Family alleges
The family of the late Founder and Leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, Apostle Professor Emeritus Ing. Kwadwo Safo, has accused his daughter, Madam Sarah Adwoa Safo, of allegedly demanding GH₵3.7 million before arrangements for the burial of the family patriarch can proceed.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Kristo Asafo family described the alleged demand as “outright extortion” and “a clear attempt to hold the body of the late Apostle Prof. Ing. Kwadwo Safo hostage.”
According to the family, Madam Safo, through her lawyers in a letter dated July 21, 2026, described the amount as the cost of “initial preparation” towards the funeral.
The family said the development followed a series of engagements between the two sides over plans for the burial.
It explained that on June 4, 2026, Madam Safo wrote to the family’s lawyer requesting a meeting aimed at finding an amicable resolution to the funeral arrangements, noting that “customary law is quiet and orderly.”
The family alleged that although a meeting date was agreed upon, Madam Safo failed to attend and later held a press conference announcing July 30 and 31, 2026, as the dates for the burial and funeral ceremonies.
The statement further indicated that on July 21, 2026, Madam Safo, through her legal representatives, sent another letter expressing her willingness “to cooperate with the family towards the funeral.”
However, the family claimed that the same correspondence contained the GH₵3.7 million financial demand, adding that a subsequent request for further engagement was not granted after its response.
The family said following the reading of the late Apostle’s Will, which it claimed was initiated by Madam Safo, responsibility for custody of the body and funeral arrangements was vested in Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, the deceased’s son.
It added that after the Will was read, it became clear that there was no agreement with Madam Safo regarding the funeral arrangements, leading the family to declare the dates she announced as “null and void” and “hereby put on hold indefinitely.”
“The body of Apostle Prof. Ing. Kwadwo Safo shall be laid to rest with the dignity he earned in life, not held for ransom by anyone,” the statement said.
The family maintained that the lawful custodians of the burial rites are Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena and the Aduana Kotoko Royal Family of Essumeja, adding that a new date and a “befitting burial programme” to honour the legacy of the late founder would be announced in due course.
It also urged members of the public and the Kristo Asafo Mission to disregard any further announcements from Madam Adwoa Safo regarding the funeral arrangements and treat the alleged monetary demand “with the contempt it deserves.”
The family said it released the statement to “set the record straight” and provide clarity to members of the public and the Kristo Asafo Mission.
Madam Sarah Adwoa Safo has, however, not publicly responded to the allegations.
Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo, who was widely recognised as an inventor, industrialist and religious leader, died after a lifetime of contributions to Ghana’s religious and industrial landscape.
His death has attracted widespread attention, with tributes pouring in from individuals and institutions across the country.