A dispute over the funeral arrangements of the late Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo has intensified, with his family insisting that the core issue is not the burial date but the custody of his remains. The family has accused his daughter, former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo, of denying relatives access to the body, a move they say violates customary practices governing funeral rites.
Speaking on JoyNews Today, the Family Secretary of the Aduana (Kotoko) Royals of Essumeja, Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, revealed that attempts to settle the matter through dialogue had failed, forcing the family to seek legal redress. He explained that under tradition, responsibility for the custody of a deceased person’s body and funeral arrangements rests with the family, not an individual relative. According to him, Adwoa Safo completed the documentation with the funeral home following her father’s death, a step he claims has prevented the family from accessing the remains.
Dr. Siaw Kissi further alleged that none of Apostle Safo’s six children or other close family members had been allowed to view his remains since his passing. He expressed concern over reports that the funeral could proceed without the family’s involvement, describing such a move as inconsistent with Ghanaian cultural norms. He also referenced unverified claims that some individuals had influenced decisions regarding the burial through alleged prophecies, including demands involving the deceased’s body, although he acknowledged that the family had not confirmed those allegations.
Despite the ongoing disagreement, Dr. Siaw Kissi stressed that the family remains open to dialogue and is willing to address outstanding issues, including financial concerns raised during previous discussions. He appealed to members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, political figures and traditional authorities to remain neutral while efforts continue to resolve the impasse. He added that while the family is determined to protect Apostle Safo’s legacy, it also believes his funeral should be conducted in accordance with established customary traditions.
