Two Kristo Asafo members drag church to court over Apostle Kwadwo Safo's successor

A leadership succession battle has erupted within the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, with two senior church members filing a lawsuit at the High Court in Accra to halt the installation and recognition of a successor to the late founder, Apostle Kwadwo Safo.

The legal action, filed on June 19, challenges the eligibility of Israel Kwadwo Safo, also known as Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, to assume leadership of the church following the death of the renowned inventor and industrialist in September 2025.

The plaintiffs, Kweku Agyenim Boateng, a former deputy general secretary of the church, and Seth Appiah Richard Brown, a former executive assistant to the church leader, argue that the succession process being pursued is inconsistent with the church's constitution.

Also named in the suit are Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, Festus Owusu Badu, Dr Kwadwo Addo Oduro, and Robert Ntiful.

Church Constitution at the Centre of Dispute

According to court documents, the plaintiffs maintain that the Kristo Asafo Mission is governed by a constitution first adopted in 2017 and later amended in 2024. They insist that these constitutional provisions remain the highest authority regulating the church's affairs.

Following Apostle Kwadwo Safo's death, questions reportedly emerged regarding who should legally succeed him as leader of the church.

READ MORE: What caused the shooting of Adwoa Safo? Kristo Asafo lawyer reveals

The plaintiffs cite Article 26(1)(a) of the church's constitution, which they say requires a successor to be appointed within three months of the leader's death and outlines clear qualifications and procedures for succession.

Although they acknowledge that Israel Kwadwo Safo had previously been designated as successor under an earlier constitutional framework, they argue that amendments introduced in 2024 changed the succession structure and effectively removed him from eligibility.

They further contend that the 2024 amendments reflected the final intentions of the late founder concerning the future leadership of the church.

Planned Installation Faces Legal Challenge

The lawsuit alleges that despite the constitutional changes, efforts are underway to install and publicly recognise Israel Kwadwo Safo as the new leader of Kristo Asafo Mission.

The plaintiffs claim they became aware of plans for a formal public ceremony aimed at confirming his leadership.

According to them, any installation or recognition conducted under the current circumstances would be unlawful and contrary to the church's governing constitution.

They also argue that the ongoing succession controversy has created tension, uncertainty and divisions among members, potentially threatening the unity and stability of the religious organisation.

READ MORE: Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena installed as Kristo Asafo leader amid court dispute and family tensions

Court Asked to Stop Installation

The plaintiffs are seeking several declarations and injunctions from the court, including a ruling that the 2017 constitution and its 2024 amendments remain the valid governing documents of the church.

They also want the court to declare that Israel Kwadwo Safo is not qualified to be appointed, installed or recognised as the leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission under the current constitutional framework.

Additionally, they are requesting a perpetual injunction preventing any installation, presentation or recognition of him as church leader, as well as an order compelling strict adherence to the church's constitutional succession procedures.

Case Draws National Attention

Founded by Apostle Kwadwo Safo, Kristo Asafo Mission has grown into one of Ghana's most influential religious organisations, with significant interests in education, technology, manufacturing and religion.

The late founder was widely respected for his contributions to indigenous technology and industrial innovation through the Kantanka Group.

The case is expected to attract widespread public interest as it could determine the future leadership direction of one of Ghana's most prominent religious institutions.

The High Court is yet to set a date for hearing the matter.