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The family of the late Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo has clarified that the ongoing disagreement surrounding his funeral is not about the burial date but rather the custody of his remains.
According to the Family Secretary of the Aduana (Kotoko) Royals of Essumeja, Dr Philip Siaw Kissi, the dispute centres on the family’s inability to access the late founder’s body, a situation he says has prompted plans for legal action after attempts at mediation failed.
Speaking on JoyNews Today, Dr Siaw Kissi explained that, under customary practice, responsibility for funeral arrangements and custody of the deceased rests with the family.
“The central issue is that custom demands that when someone dies, the family is supposed to take custody of the body. It’s not the daughter,” he said.
Family claims it cannot access the body
Dr Siaw Kissi alleged that Sarah Adwoa Safo, daughter of the late Apostle, completed all the documentation with the funeral home after her father’s death, giving her control over access to the remains.
He claimed this has prevented the family from taking custody of the body.
“Honourable Adwoa Safo was the one who went to Transitions to do all the documentation. She’s using that against us because, with that, we cannot have access to the body,” he stated.
He further alleged that even Apostle Safo’s children have not been allowed to see their father’s remains since his passing.
“The sad aspect is that even the siblings, the six of them, none of them have even seen the deceased ever since he died,” he said.
Family considering legal action
According to Dr Siaw Kissi, the family has made several attempts to resolve the matter amicably but has now decided to seek legal intervention after negotiations failed.
He also questioned reports suggesting that funeral arrangements would proceed despite the unresolved dispute.
“Our culture does not permit that,” he said.
Concerns over alleged prophecies
The family secretary also expressed concern over reports that certain individuals had allegedly influenced decisions regarding the handling of the late Apostle’s remains.
Although he stressed that the family could not verify the allegations, he said the circumstances had raised questions.
“We have heard that a lot of prophets have given her prophecy concerning the burial, even to the extent that they want a part of the body of our deceased,” he claimed.
Dr Siaw Kissi emphasised that these remain allegations and have not been independently confirmed.
Appeal for customary process
The family maintained that it is willing to engage all stakeholders to resolve the dispute, including addressing financial concerns that may have arisen during discussions.
Dr Siaw Kissi appealed to members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, political figures and traditional leaders to remain neutral until the matter is resolved.
He concluded by saying the family wants the funeral to honour Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo’s legacy while respecting customary traditions governing funeral arrangements and the custody of the deceased.
