A public disagreement over funeral arrangements for the late Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo Kantanka has sparked concerns about public safety in Accra. The Jatikay Centre's Executive Director, Adib Saani, has called on security agencies to assess the situation and prevent tensions from escalating into disorder.
Family Dispute Turns into Public Safety Concern
The disagreement has moved beyond a private family matter, according to Mr Saani. Reports of a shooting incident, ongoing legal processes, and conflicting positions among family members have created a potential public safety concern.
Mr Saani said the situation requires careful management to prevent tensions from escalating into disorder. "Such circumstances can easily attract emotionally charged supporters, creating conditions for confrontation even where neither principal intends violence," he noted.
Calls for Restraint and Dignity
Mr Saani urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritise the dignity of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo. "No funeral should become a flashpoint for violence or disorder," he stated.
He also called on security agencies to maintain a robust but impartial presence during funeral-related activities. This would involve relying on intelligence gathering, stakeholder engagement, and effective crowd management to prevent possible breaches of the peace.
Enforcement of Court Directives
The enforcement of lawful court directives will be essential in managing the situation, according to Mr Saani. "Preventive action at this stage is far preferable to crisis management after violence has occurred," he added.
Safo Family Members at Odds Over Funeral Arrangements
The head of the Safo family and leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I, has questioned the planned funeral arrangements. Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has maintained that the burial will proceed as scheduled.
A Call for Unity and Peace
Mr Saani stressed that disputes involving succession, funeral arrangements, or estate matters must be resolved through lawful and peaceful processes. He said the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo's legacy would best be honoured through unity and a peaceful final farewell.
The situation highlights the need for careful management of sensitive situations in Ghana. With security agencies on high alert, the public can expect a robust presence during funeral-related activities.
Source: Joy Online
