The Ghana Police Service has arrested Israel Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as Akofena, in connection with the shooting incident involving former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo.
According to a police statement issued on Monday, June 22, the suspect voluntarily reported to the Greater Accra Regional Police Headquarters before being handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to assist with ongoing investigations.
“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 said.
Police disclosed that a subsequent search conducted on the suspect’s vehicle and residence at Kwabenya led to the retrieval of a cache of ammunition and firearms.
“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,” the statement added.
Investigators later arrested two additional suspects, identified as Nana Kwaku Afriyie and Kwadwo Safo Koomson, in connection with the case.
Police said all three suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear before court on June 23, 2026.
The arrests follow a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday, June 21, at the Kwabenya residence of Israel Safo. Adwoa Safo reportedly sustained injuries during the incident and was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
In a statement issued by the family of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo, relatives confirmed that the former legislator is in a stable condition and responding positively to treatment.
The family described the shooting as “the unfortunate shooting incident” and assured members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, relatives and the public that Adwoa Safo’s condition had improved.
The statement also addressed an ongoing succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission, which the family said formed the basis of the tensions leading to the incident.
According to the family, Apostle Kwadwo Safo appointed his son, Israel Nana Kwadwo Safo, as his successor in 2017, granting him authority over the church and its affiliated businesses. However, the family claimed that several businesses within the Kristo Asafo conglomerate declined during his leadership.
The statement further alleged that certain principles established by the church’s founder were altered and that Israel Safo increasingly exercised authority without due regard for his father.
The family stated that in 2024, Apostle Kwadwo Safo revoked Israel Safo’s mandate and amended the church’s succession framework, subsequently appointing Adwoa Safo as head of the family while excluding Israel Safo from future leadership arrangements.
Following the death of Apostle Kwadwo Safo on September 11, 2025, the family said Adwoa Safo had continued to serve as the principal representative of the family with the support of her siblings.
The family further alleged that Israel Safo, together with some church elders, attempted to organise a private installation ceremony to declare himself leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission despite the late founder’s directives.
According to the statement, legal action was initiated by two church members to stop the ceremony, but attempts to serve the relevant court documents on Israel Safo proved unsuccessful.
The family claimed that Adwoa Safo personally attempted to serve the court documents on her brother on the morning of June 21.
During the encounter, the statement alleged that Israel Safo “discharged a firearm multiple times” in her direction and instructed others present to shoot at her vehicle.
The family said it does not recognise any leadership claim by Israel Safo that contradicts the wishes of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo and cautioned the public against engaging with him on matters concerning the Kristo Asafo Mission or family assets.
It also indicated that additional legal action may be pursued to safeguard the legacy, assets and directives of the late founder.
The family added that, except for Israel Safo, all the children of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo remain united and committed to ensuring a dignified burial for their father while urging members of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the general public to remain calm as investigations continue.
