The Ghana Police Service has arrested Israel Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as Akofena, along with two other suspects in connection with the shooting of former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, at Kwabenya in Accra.
The arrests mark a significant development in an incident that has attracted widespread national attention and deepened concerns over an ongoing leadership and family dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the death of its founder, Apostle Kwadwo Safo.
According to a statement issued by the police, Akofena voluntarily reported to the Regional Police Headquarters before being transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to assist with investigations into the shooting, which occurred on June 21, 2026.
Police further disclosed that searches conducted at Akofena’s residence and vehicle led to the retrieval of large quantities of ammunition and firearms. The items recovered included 9mm, .45 calibre and .40 calibre ammunition, loaded magazines and two Glock pistols, one of which was registered in his name.
Investigators subsequently arrested Nana Kwaku Afriyie and Kwadwo Safo Koomson as part of the ongoing probe. The three suspects remain in police custody and are expected to appear before court as investigations progress.
The latest arrests come just a day after police detained six private security guards allegedly involved in the incident. Authorities recovered several firearms and communication equipment from the security personnel, who are suspected of playing a role in the shooting. The arrests bring the total number of persons in custody in connection with the case to nine.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the shooting occurred at a residence in Kwabenya where a ceremony linked to the succession process within the Kristo Asafo Mission was reportedly taking place. Adwoa Safo is said to have arrived at the premises but was denied entry. The situation later escalated, resulting in gunfire that left the former lawmaker injured and her vehicle riddled with bullet holes.
The incident is believed to be connected to growing tensions surrounding the leadership succession of the Kristo Asafo Mission after the passing of Apostle Kwadwo Safo in 2025. Legal challenges have already been filed in court over plans to install Akofena as the church’s next leader, with some church members and family members contesting the process.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior has suspended the operating licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited, whose personnel have been linked to the incident, pending the outcome of investigations.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all persons found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
