'Adwoa Safo fired first shot before security response' - Church lawyer alleges

Lawyer for the Kristo Asafo Mission, Nana Kofi Kantanka, has provided details on the circumstances that allegedly led to the shooting incident involving former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo.

Speaking to Joy News on June 21, 2026, Kantanka explained that the incident occurred during a meeting convened to introduce a new leader for the church following the death of its founder, Apostle Emeritus Kwadwo Safo.

According to him, the church's constitution empowers the Council of Elders to select a successor from among the founder's sons.

"As a member and lawyer for the church, I received a briefing on the matter. The issue revolves around the installation or introduction of a newly appointed leader. Following the passing of our founder, there was the need to appoint a successor, and the constitution grants the Council of Elders the authority to carry out that process," he said.

He explained that the selection process began about a month ago and had culminated in the choice of a successor, who was to be introduced to the church's General Council on Sunday.

"The General Council represents the membership of the church. Today's programme was to introduce the newly appointed leader to the council and, by extension, the entire church membership," he stated.

Addressing reports of gunfire at the event, Kantanka alleged that, based on the briefing he received, Adwoa Safo fired the first shot and subsequently rammed a gate with her vehicle.

"According to the briefing I received, she fired the first shot and then crashed into the gate with her car. Once the shots were fired, the private security personnel believed lives were at risk and responded with warning shots," he claimed.

When asked whether any other individuals were injured during the incident, Kantanka said he could not confirm any additional casualties, noting that investigations were ongoing.

"Not that I know of. The matter is currently under investigation," he said.

Gunmen open fire on Sarah Adwoa Safo's vehicle - Reports

He added that the leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission has also commenced its own internal inquiry into the incident.

"As church leadership, we will conduct our own investigations. Anyone found to have committed wrongdoing will be held accountable. The leadership is currently meeting to piece together what happened and determine who may have acted improperly," he said.

Kantanka stressed that the church was still receiving updates and awaiting the outcome of ongoing investigations.

Watch his narration below:

VKB/MA