The police have arrested six private security officers following a shooting incident that left former Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo injured at a residence in Kwabenya, Accra, amid an escalating leadership dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 21, 2026, the Ghana Police Service confirmed the arrest of the six guards in connection with the incident, which occurred at the home of Mr. Tamakloe Safo Jehoshaphat, also known as Akofena.
According to police investigations, officers from the National Operations Directorate and the Intelligence Directorate, who were on a special assignment, responded to a distress call from the residence. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered that a ceremony was underway when Adwoa Safo reportedly arrived and sought entry into the premises but was refused access.
Investigators say armed security personnel stationed at the property allegedly opened fire during the confrontation, resulting in injuries to Adwoa Safo. Her vehicle was also found bearing multiple bullet impacts.
A subsequent search led to the recovery of five pump-action guns, a Taurus pistol loaded with seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, an extra magazine containing five rounds of 9mm ammunition, as well as communication devices.
The suspects and the seized items have since been transferred to the Police Headquarters to support ongoing investigations. Police said efforts are continuing to identify and arrest any additional persons connected to the incident.
The shooting occurred on the heels of a growing succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the death of its founder, Apostle Kwadwo Safo, in September 2025.
The disagreement has now reached the courts, with a case filed at the High Court in Accra seeking to stop the planned installation of Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena as successor to the late religious leader.
Two senior church members, Kweku Agyenim Boateng, a former Deputy General Secretary, and Seth Appiah Richard Brown, initiated the legal action last week, questioning the legitimacy of the succession process.
The plaintiffs argue that amendments made to the church’s constitution in 2024 altered the succession framework and disqualified Israel Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, from assuming leadership.
According to the statement of claim, the plaintiffs contend that the 2024 constitutional amendment represented the “final and deliberate wishes” of Apostle Kwadwo Safo regarding the future leadership of the church.
Among the reliefs being sought are declarations affirming that the 2017 Constitution of the Kristo Asafo Mission and its 2024 amended version remain the church’s highest governing authority and that any succession process must strictly comply with those provisions.
The suit further seeks an order preventing Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena from presenting himself as the church’s leader. It also requests a perpetual injunction restraining the church, its Council of Elders and other officials from appointing, installing, presenting or recognising him as leader until the constitutional requirements are satisfied.
The plaintiffs maintain that the succession controversy has created uncertainty and divisions within the church and poses a threat to the stability and unity of the mission.
A penal notice attached to the suit cautions the defendants and members of the Council of Elders against proceeding with any installation ceremony while the matter remains before the court. It warns that anyone who ignores the legal process could face contempt proceedings and sanctions under the law, including possible imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Adwoa Safo was reported to be in stable condition at a hospital in East Legon as of 4:20 p.m. on Sunday when Graphic Online checked on her condition.
Earlier reports indicated that armed men believed to be private security operatives opened fire on her vehicle at a family property in Kwabenya, reportedly the residence of her younger brother, Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena.
A source within Adwoa Safo’s team, who requested anonymity, told Graphic Online around 11:30 a.m. that she was at the location when the shooting occurred. The source said the gunfire struck her vehicle and that a bullet grazed her neck and left ear.
Images circulating on social media showed Adwoa Safo lying on a hospital bed with blood visible on her face. Other photos and videos shared online captured bullet holes in the black Toyota Land Cruiser, bearing registration number GN 3482-24, which she was using at the time.
Witness accounts suggest numerous rounds of ammunition were discharged during the confrontation, with one of the bullets reportedly grazing her neck and ear.
A separate version of events alleges that Adwoa Safo also discharged a firearm and attempted to force her way onto the property by repeatedly driving into the gate. According to that account, she fired the first shot before the private security personnel responded.
Police have confirmed that the incident occurred in Kwabenya and said the Madina Divisional Police Command is handling the investigation.
