Police arrest Israel Kwadwo Akofena Safo and 2 others over Adwoa Safo shooting incident

The Ghana Police Service has arrested Israel Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as Akofena, in connection with a shooting incident involving his sister, former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo.

The arrest marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation into a confrontation that occurred amid a bitter leadership and succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the death of its founder, Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo.

According to a statement issued by the Ghana Police Service, Israel Kwadwo Safo voluntarily reported to the Regional Police Headquarters on June 22, 2026, one day after the alleged shooting incident.

Following his appearance, he was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to assist investigators with inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Police say investigations remain active as officers work to establish the full facts behind the incident.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted searches at the suspect's residence in Kwabenya and on his vehicle.

The operation led to the recovery of a substantial cache of firearms, ammunition, and related items.

According to police, the items retrieved included:

• 120 rounds of 9mm ammunition
• 50 rounds of .45 calibre ammunition
• 25 rounds of .40 calibre ammunition
• Several loaded magazines
• Two Glock pistols, including one reportedly registered in Israel Safo's name

The recovered weapons and ammunition are expected to undergo further examination as part of the investigation.

The police also announced the arrest of two additional individuals believed to be connected to the incident.

The suspects, identified as Nana Kwaku Afriyie and Kwadwo Safo Koomson, are currently assisting investigators.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific roles the two men allegedly played in the incident but confirmed that they remain in custody pending further inquiries.

Police indicated that all three suspects are expected to be arraigned before court on June 23, 2026.

The legal proceedings are expected to provide further clarity on the charges that may be brought against the suspects as investigations continue.

The incident is believed to be connected to an ongoing dispute over leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission and its associated institutions.

Following the death of Apostle Kwadwo Safo in September 2025, disagreements emerged within the family regarding succession arrangements and the future leadership of the church.

The dispute has resulted in competing claims and legal challenges concerning control of the religious organization and its business interests.

Earlier, the Kwadwo Safo family issued a statement alleging that Adwoa Safo had gone to serve a court injunction intended to stop an installation ceremony involving Israel Safo when the confrontation occurred.

According to the family's account, gunshots were fired during the encounter, prompting a police investigation into the matter.

The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all relevant evidence is being examined.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and allow the legal process to take its course as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and determine any criminal liability.

The case has attracted significant public attention due to the prominence of the individuals involved and the wider implications of the succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission.