The family of the late founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission, Apostle Emeritus Prof. Ing. Kwadwo Safo, has confirmed that former Member of Parliament for Dome- Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, is responding positively to treatment following a shooting incident that allegedly occurred on June 21, 2026.

In a statement issued on June 22, 2026, and signed by Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo, the family expressed deep concern over the incident while assuring members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, relatives, friends, and the general public that she remains in stable condition and is receiving medical care.

The family further stressed that, except for Israel Nana Kwadwo Safo, all children of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo remain united and committed to ensuring a dignified and befitting burial for their father.

Family Clarifies Succession Arrangements

The statement also sought to address what the family described as growing public confusion surrounding the succession plans of the late Kristo Asafo, the leader.

According to the family, Apostle Kwadwo Safo appointed his son, Israel Nana Kwadwo Safo, as his successor in 2017 and entrusted him with leadership of the church and oversight responsibility for the various business enterprises established by the founder.

However, the family alleged that during Israel Safo’s tenure, several businesses within the Kristo Asafo conglomerate experienced a significant decline, with some collapsing or nearing collapse. The statement further claimed that foundational principles of the church were altered during this period and that Israel Safo increasingly exercised authority without due regard for the founder.

The family stated that these developments became a source of concern for Apostle Kwadwo Safo, who subsequently revoked the authority previously granted to Israel Safo in 2024. According to the statement, all provisions granting him succession rights were removed from the church’s governing framework.

Following this decision, the late founder reportedly appointed his daughter, Adwoa Safo, as Head of the Family and established a new succession roadmap for the future leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission. The family noted that the revised framework specifically excluded Israel Safo from consideration for the top leadership role.

Since the passing of Apostle Kwadwo Safo on September 11, 2025, the family said Adwoa Safo has continued to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to her by her father and has served as the principal representative of the family with the support of her siblings.

How the Shooting Incident Allegedly Occurred

Providing details surrounding the incident, the family alleged that Israel Safo, together with certain church elders, attempted to organise a private installation ceremony aimed at declaring himself leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission despite what they described as the late founder’s succession directives.

According to the statement, two church members subsequently initiated legal action and secured a court application seeking to restrain the planned installation ceremony.

The family said several attempts were made to serve the court documents on Israel Safo, but they proved unsuccessful.

They further claimed that 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 alleged that 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 reportedly been referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation.

Family Rejects Leadership Claim by Israel Safo

The family categorically stated that it does not recognise any installation or assumption of leadership by Israel Safo that is inconsistent with the directives of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo.

It further distanced itself from any claims by Israel Safo that he is acting on behalf of the Kwadwo Safo Family or with its authority.

The statement advised the public to exercise caution in any dealings with Israel Safo that purport to involve the interests, assets, leadership, or affairs of either the Kristo Asafo Mission or the Kwadwo Safo Family, warning that anyone engaging in such dealings does so at their own risk.

The family also noted that several matters involving Israel Safo are currently under scrutiny and indicated that it reserves the right to pursue all available legal remedies to protect the legacy, assets, and wishes of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo.

The statement concluded by calling on members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, supporters, and the general public to remain calm, respect the rule of law, and allow the appropriate state institutions to handle the matters before them.

READ THE FULL PRESSER FROM THE FAMILY BELOW

CamScanner 22-06-2026 11.02

Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has called on state authorities to provide clear information regarding the whereabouts and detention arrangements of former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, following her recent extradition to Ghana.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Citi FM on Saturday, June 20, Manasseh expressed scepticism about claims that the convicted former MASLOC boss is currently in lawful custody, insisting that official communication on the matter has been inadequate.

According to him, longstanding concerns about the treatment of influential individuals convicted of crimes in Ghana have contributed to public distrust.

“Long before her return, I had heard—and many Ghanaians may have heard as well—that there is a system in this country where some influential people who are convicted and supposedly sent to prison do not actually end up serving their sentences in prison,” he stated.

He suggested that there is a widespread perception that some convicted persons are held in undisclosed locations and are occasionally moved in and out of custody, a situation he described as deeply troubling.

“It is a whole lot of mess,” he remarked.

Manasseh maintained that there is no justification for withholding information about the location of a convicted individual, arguing that authorities should openly disclose where such persons are being held.

“I do not think anything prevents this administration from telling us that this person arrived on a particular date and is being held at Nsawam Prison or at the Cantonments Police cells, where anyone can verify their presence,” he said.

He further argued that the lack of transparency only fuels public suspicion and weakens confidence in the country’s justice system.

“I do not think anything stops the government from being clear on that. Where there is no reason to conceal information and yet it is hidden, it only fuels suspicion,” he added.

The award-winning journalist stressed that he is unwilling to accept assurances about Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu’s detention without independent verification.

“As I sit here, I cannot trust that Sedina Tamakloe is in custody simply because someone tells me she is in custody. I do not trust that,” he stated.

He questioned why the authorities could not publicly indicate the exact facility where she is being held and the conditions under which she is serving her sentence.

“What prevents the government from telling us where she is, which prison or which police cells she is being kept in?” he asked.

Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted in absentia in 2024 and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of causing financial loss to the state and stealing. She was recently extradited from the United States and received by security officials upon her arrival in Ghana.

She is expected to begin serving her sentence following a protracted extradition process initiated by the Government of Ghana after she failed to return from a medical trip abroad during the trial.

This version follows a news-reporting style commonly used by major Ghanaian media outlets, with improved structure, attribution and neutrality.

President John Dramani Mahama has called for a new phase in Ghana’s partnership with the European Union (EU), urging both sides to move beyond a relationship primarily focused on aid and development assistance towards one driven by trade, investment, innovation, industrialisation and shared prosperity.

Speaking at the opening session of the Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue in Accra on Thursday, June 11, 2026, President Mahama said the longstanding relationship between Ghana and the EU had evolved into a strategic partnership founded on democratic values, mutual respect and shared interests.

The dialogue brought together key government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, his deputy James Gyakye Quayson, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, and EU ambassadors accredited to Ghana.

Partnership Built on Shared Interests

President Mahama noted that the meeting was taking place at a time of significant global transformation, stressing that partnerships anchored in trust and common interests were now more important than ever.

He described Ghana-EU relations as one of “interconnected destinies,” explaining that Ghana’s economic success creates opportunities for European businesses, while Europe’s prosperity benefits Ghana through increased trade, investment, innovation and technology transfer.

According to the President, both parties must work towards strengthening and modernising their cooperation to address emerging global challenges.

“Our objective should not be merely to maintain existing cooperation, but to elevate it to a whole new level,” he stated.

Economic Recovery Showing Positive Signs

Touching on Ghana’s economy, President Mahama said the country was demonstrating encouraging signs of recovery and resilience after emerging from one of its most difficult economic periods.

He highlighted improvements in fiscal consolidation, macroeconomic stability and private sector-led growth, noting that inflation was declining while investor confidence continued to improve.

However, he stressed that economic stability alone was not enough, insisting that the ultimate goal was to improve the living conditions of ordinary Ghanaians.

The President said the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative and accelerated export development programme would play a central role in boosting productivity across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, transport, tourism and digital services.

“Our goal is simple: Ghana must produce more, export more and create more jobs for our young people. The future of our economy lies in adding value to our products and services rather than exporting raw materials,” he said.

EU Pledges Support for Industrialisation Agenda

The EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s transition towards a trade and investment-led economy.

He commended the government for its economic recovery efforts, noting that Ghana had surpassed targets set under the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Credit Facility programme.

Mr Skinnebach said the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy would support and finance strategic infrastructure and industrial projects aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and job creation.

He, however, urged government to address challenges affecting European businesses, including delays in permit approvals, land title acquisition, port operations and concerns over recently introduced e-visa fees for non-African visitors.

Security Cooperation Deepens

The Ambassador also highlighted the Security and Defence Partnership Agreement signed earlier this year between Ghana and the EU, describing it as the first such agreement between the EU and an African country.

Valued at more than €100 million, the partnership focuses on military equipment support, training and efforts to prevent the spread of violent extremism from the Sahel region into coastal West Africa.

Ghana-EU Relations at an ‘All-Time High’

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described relations between Ghana and the European Union as being at an “all-time high,” citing significant achievements over the past year.

He noted that Ghana had become the first African country to formalise a Security and Defence Partnership Agreement with the EU and the first on the continent to secure sustainable timber certification under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) process.

Mr Ablakwa said the partnership had expanded significantly beyond development cooperation to include trade, investment, governance, climate action, peace and security, and human development.

Focus on Reparatory Justice

The Foreign Affairs Minister also highlighted Ghana’s leadership role in advancing reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent.

He said Ghana’s efforts under President Mahama’s leadership contributed to the adoption of United Nations Resolution A/RES/80/250, which recognises the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans as one of the gravest crimes against humanity.

According to him, cooperation with the EU on the issue has remained constructive, with countries such as France, the Netherlands and Germany showing support for discussions on reparations and the return of cultural artefacts.

Mr Ablakwa disclosed that French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to participate virtually in a high-level conference on the next steps towards implementing the resolution, scheduled for June 17 to 19.

Government Open to Dialogue on E-Visa Fees

Responding to concerns raised by the EU regarding Ghana’s new e-visa fees, Mr Ablakwa said government was prepared to engage in discussions based on reciprocity.

He explained that visa charges are determined by Parliament under the Fees and Charges Act but indicated that the government would consider reviewing the fees should EU member states also reassess visa charges imposed on Ghanaian travellers.

The Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between Ghana and the European Union in areas of economic transformation, security, governance and sustainable development. :::