Court injunction halts installation of Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena as Kristo Asafo leader amid succession dispute

A leadership dispute within Ghana's Kristo Asafo Mission has escalated to legal action, with the Accra High Court issuing an injunction to prevent the installation of Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena as the successor to the late founder, Apostle Kwadwo Safo.

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The 2024 constitutional amendment represented the "final and deliberate wishes" of Apostle Kwadwo Safo regarding the future leadership of the church.

The legal challenge was initiated by two senior church members, Kweku Agyenim Boateng, former Deputy General Secretary, and Seth Appiah Richard Brown. Their lawsuit contends that amendments made to the church's constitution in 2024 altered the established line of succession, thereby disqualifying Israel Kwadwo Safo, also known as Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, from assuming leadership.

According to the plaintiffs' statement of claim, the 2024 constitutional amendment was intended to reflect Apostle Kwadwo Safo's "final and deliberate wishes" for the church's future leadership. They are requesting court declarations that the 2017 Constitution and its 2024 amended version are the supreme governing documents and that succession must strictly adhere to these provisions. The lawsuit also seeks an order to prevent the second defendant from claiming leadership and a perpetual injunction against the church from appointing or recognizing him until constitutional requirements are met.

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The ongoing succession dispute has generated uncertainty, division, and anxiety among members and threatens the unity and stability of the Kristo Asafo Mission.

The plaintiffs argue that the ongoing succession controversy has created significant uncertainty, division, and anxiety among members, jeopardizing the unity and stability of the Kristo Asafo Mission. A penal notice attached to the suit warns defendants and the Council of Elders against proceeding with the installation while the case is pending, cautioning that non-compliance could lead to contempt of court charges and potential imprisonment. This legal action follows the death of Apostle Kwadwo Safo in September 2025, which initiated discussions about his succession.

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Any person who disregards the court process could be cited for contempt of court and face penalties prescribed by law, including imprisonment.