Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s children reject Akofena’s Kristo Asafo headship
A leadership dispute has erupted within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the passing of its founder, Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo, after some of his children publicly rejected claims that Akofena has taken over as head of the church.
The Kristo Asafo Mission, founded in the 1970s, is one of Ghana’s most influential indigenous Pentecostal movements. It is known not only for its spiritual work but also for the Kantanka Group of Companies, the industrial arm established by Apostle Safo that manufactures vehicles, electronics, and other machinery. Because of this dual identity as both a church and a business empire, questions of succession have drawn national attention.
According to a statement issued by some of Apostle Safo’s children, they do not recognize Akofena as the rightful leader of Kristo Asafo. They argued that leadership of the church cannot be determined by a will or by personal appointment alone, but must follow the laid-down constitution, doctrine, and spiritual structures of the Mission. The children emphasized that the founder’s legacy should be protected and that any transition must be done transparently and in line with the church’s governance.
The disagreement comes at a sensitive time for the church, which has millions of followers across Ghana and abroad. Members have been looking for clarity on who will steer the spiritual affairs of the Mission and also oversee its vast commercial interests. With the Kantanka brand being closely tied to the founder’s name and vision, stakeholders in both the religious and business arms are watching closely to see how the matter is resolved.
Legal practitioners who have commented on the issue note that disputes over religious leadership often become complicated when they intersect with family, property, and corporate control. One lawyer stated that “a will doesn’t automatically make someone head of a church,” suggesting that ecclesiastical law, church constitutions, and the wishes of the congregation also play a major role.
For now, worship and activities at various Kristo Asafo branches continue, but the public rejection by the founder’s children has created uncertainty. Church elders are expected to meet in the coming weeks to deliberate on the way forward and to communicate an official position to members.
The children have appealed for calm and unity among members, urging them not to take sides based on rumors. They say their goal is to preserve the vision of Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo, which combined faith, industry, and self-reliance for Ghana.
As the Kristo Asafo Mission navigates this transition, the outcome will likely shape not just the future leadership of the church, but also the direction of one of Ghana’s most prominent homegrown industrial projects.
About The Author
