Akofena confirmed as successor to Kantanka Empire after will reading

An elderly woman with a patterned dress speaks into a microphone while a man in a red shirt bows his head in front of her; a crowd watches in colorful attire.

By Nana Prekoh Eric July 7, 2026

An Accra High Court has confirmed Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena as the successor to the Kantanka Empire following the reading of the will of the late Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo Kantanka.

This comes after months of a bitter dispute over who would take charge following the Apostle’s death in September 2025.

The reading of the will on Monday, July 6, 2026, brings a measure of resolution and clarity to the leadership succession of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Empire.

Speaking to the media shortly after the court proceedings, a member of the Kristo Asafo Mission, Richard Brown, popularly known as Osebo the Zaraman, pledged his support for both the family and Akofena, since that is the wish of the late Apostle as set out in the will.

“If our father decided to leave all his properties to Akofena, I have no reason to object. During my previous press conference, I said he always valued peace. If his will clearly states that everything belongs to Akofena, then I have no choice but to respect that decision,” he said.

The succession process had grown increasingly acrimonious, escalating into a shooting incident at Akofena’s residence during a ceremony to introduce him as the legitimate leader of the church.

The incident left his sister and former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, in a critical condition, with the family reportedly making arrangements for her to travel abroad for further medical treatment.