Security expert and Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre, Adib Saani, has warned of possible tensions arising from the ongoing dispute over the funeral arrangements of the late Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo.

He has consequently called for urgent measures to be put in place to prevent any breach of peace during the funeral.

In a statement issued on July 29, 2026, he said the disagreement had moved beyond a family matter and had become a public safety concern, citing recent developments including an earlier shooting incident, pending legal processes, and conflicting positions taken by the parties involved.

“The ongoing public dispute over the funeral arrangements of the late Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo has unfortunately moved beyond a family disagreement and now presents a matter of legitimate public safety concern,” he said.

According to him, the situation requires careful management because both sides appear determined to pursue their respective positions.

Saani noted that while one party is relying on the courts, the other has indicated an intention to proceed with the funeral as planned, a development he said could heighten tensions if not handled cautiously.
“Such circumstances can easily attract emotionally charged supporters, creating conditions for confrontation even where neither principal intends violence,” he said.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise the dignity of the late Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo as well as public safety.

“I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and place the dignity of the deceased and the safety of the public above every other consideration. No funeral should become a flashpoint for violence or disorder,” Saani stated.

The security expert also called on the Ghana Police Service and other relevant state institutions to conduct a comprehensive security risk assessment and maintain an impartial security presence throughout the funeral-related activities.

He said intelligence-led policing, early engagement with stakeholders, effective crowd management, and strict enforcement of lawful court directives would be essential in preventing possible disturbances.

“Given the fluid and unpredictable nature of the situation, security agencies must continue to monitor developments closely and respond proactively to any emerging threats,” he said.

Saani further noted that preventive action was preferable to responding after violence had occurred.

“Preventive action at this stage is far preferable to crisis management after violence has occurred,” he said.

Fights, funeral disagreements are tarnishing Kantanka's legacy – Kumchacha

He stressed that disagreements over succession, funeral arrangements, or estate matters must be resolved through lawful and peaceful means, adding that the best tribute to the late Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo would be a final farewell marked by dignity, unity, and peace rather than conflict.

Read the full statement below:

Kantanka Funeral Standoff Requires Urgent Security Attention

The ongoing public dispute over the funeral arrangements of the late Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo has unfortunately moved beyond a family disagreement and now presents a matter of legitimate public safety concern. Recent developments, including the earlier shooting incident, the pending legal processes, and the conflicting public positions taken by the parties have created a volatile environment that requires careful management.

The situation is particularly concerning because both sides appear determined to pursue their respective positions. Reports that one party is relying on the courts while the other has indicated an intention to proceed with the funeral as planned underscore the potential for tension if the matter is not carefully managed. Such circumstances can easily attract emotionally charged supporters, creating conditions for confrontation even where neither principal intends violence.

I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and place the dignity of the deceased and the safety of the public above every other consideration. No funeral should become a flashpoint for violence or disorder.

I also call on the Ghana Police Service and other relevant state institutions to conduct a comprehensive security risk assessment and maintain a robust but impartial security presence throughout all funeral-related activities. Intelligence-led policing, early engagement with all stakeholders, effective crowd management, and strict enforcement of any lawful court directives will be critical in preventing a breach of the peace.

Given the fluid and unpredictable nature of the situation, security agencies must continue to monitor developments closely and respond proactively to any emerging threats. Preventive action at this stage is far preferable to crisis management after violence has occurred.

Ultimately, disagreements over succession, funeral arrangements, or estate matters should be resolved through lawful and peaceful means. The greatest tribute that can be paid to the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo is to ensure that his final journey is marked by dignity, unity, and peace, not conflict.

Adib Saani
Executive Director, Jatikay Centre

JKB/VPO


Watch as court takes over Cheddar’s prime property on Osu Oxford street