The Ghana Police Service has arrested Israel Kwadwo Safo, also known as Akofena, in connection with the shooting incident involving former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, on 21st June 2026.
This is contained in a press release posted on the Ghana Police Service Facebook page on June 22.
“The suspect reported himself to the Regional Police Headquarters on 22nd June 2026 and was subsequently handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to assist ongoing investigations into the incident,” the statement incicated.
It added that, “A search conducted on his vehicle and at his residence at Kwabenya led to the retrieval of 120 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 50 rounds of 45 calibre ammunition, 25 rounds of 40 calibre ammunition, additional loaded magazines, and two Glock pistols; one of which is registered in his name.”
Further investigations also led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Nana Kwaku Afriyie and Kwadwo Safo Koomson, in connection with the case.
“All the suspects are currently in Police custody assisting investigations and will be put before the court on 23rd June 2026,” the Police said.
It is recalled that Adwoa Safo was shot when she tried to enter the Kwabenya residence of her brother, Kwadwo Safo.
Subsequently the family of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo confirmed that the former MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo is in a stable condition and responding positively to medical treatment following Sunday’s shooting incident.
In a statement signed and dated June 22, the family expressed deep regret over what it described as “the unfortunate shooting incident” and sought to assure members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, relatives, and the general public of her recovery.
The family also moved to clarify the succession arrangements within the Kristo Asafo Mission, an issue at the centre of an ongoing dispute that the statement says culminated in the shooting. The family notes that Sarah Adwoa Safo is the recognised Head of the Kwadwo Safo Family.
According to the statement, Apostle Kwadwo Safo designated his son, Israel Nana Kwadwo Safo, known as Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, as his successor in 2017, handing him leadership of the church and oversight of its business entities.
The family said it later observed a decline in the fortunes of several businesses within the Kristo Asafo conglomerate during his tenure, leading to the collapse or near collapse of a number of enterprises. The statement also alleges that foundational principles of the church were altered during this period, and that Israel Safo increasingly exercised authority without due regard for the founder.
Citing these concerns, the family said Apostle Kwadwo Safo revoked Israel Safo’s mandate in 2024 and removed the relevant provisions from the church’s governing framework. He subsequently appointed Adwoa Safo as Head of the Family and amended the succession framework to explicitly exclude Israel Safo from the leadership position.
Following their father’s death on September 11, 2025, the statement said Adwoa Safo, with her siblings’ support, has continued to discharge the responsibilities entrusted to her and has served as the family’s principal representative.
Events leading to the shooting
The family said Israel Safo, working with certain church elders, sought to organise a private installation ceremony to declare himself leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission, contrary to the late founder’s succession directives.
Upon learning of this, two church members initiated legal proceedings and obtained a court application seeking to restrain the ceremony. The statement said several attempts to serve the relevant court documents on Israel Safo were unsuccessful.
On the morning of June 21, 2026, Adwoa Safo personally attempted to serve the court documents on her younger brother. During the encounter, the statement alleges, Israel Safo discharged a firearm multiple times in her direction and instructed associates at the scene to open fire on her vehicle. The matter has since been reported to law enforcement authorities for investigation.
Family’s position
The family said it does not recognise any installation or assumption of leadership by Israel Safo that is inconsistent with the late apostle’s directives, and dissociated itself from any claim by him to be acting on behalf of the Kwadwo Safo Family.
It cautioned the public to exercise care in any dealings with Israel Safo relating to the interests, assets, leadership or affairs of the Kristo Asafo Mission or the family, warning that anyone who chooses to do so does so at their own risk.
The statement added that several matters involving Israel Safo remain under scrutiny, and the family reserved its right to pursue legal remedies to protect the legacy, assets and wishes of the late apostle.
The family further clarified that, with the exception of Israel Safo, all the late apostle’s children remain united and committed to ensuring a dignified burial for their father, and called on members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, well-wishers and the general public to remain calm and allow state institutions to address the matters before them.
