The suspects and the confiscated weapons. INSET: Adwoa Safo at the hospital
Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has allegedly been shot by persons suspected to be security details of her younger brother, Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena.
The incident, which left her with gunshot wounds to her left ear, is reported to have occurred at about 10.30am yesterday when she went to brother’s residence.
According to a police source, the 44-year-old woman came to the Kwabenya Police Charge Office in a Land Cruiser with registration number GN 3482-24 with gunshot marks on the back passenger window and the front fender.
Blood was oozing from her left ear at the time when she turned up at the Police Station.
According to her statement, she went to her late father’s house at Kwabenya at about 10.15am and that upon reaching the location her brother, Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, ordered his security details to open fire on her leaving her with injuries on her left ear.
Following her statement, the police provided her with a medical form to proceed to the hospital for attention as part of a routine procedure.
The bullet riddled vehicle has also been retained by the Police as part of the investigations.
6 Arrested
Meanwhile, six bodyguards of Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena have been arrested following the shooting of the former legislator.
Police say they retrieved five pump-action guns, Taurus pistol with ammunition, and communication equipment.
Police confirmed that the bodyguards discharged firearms during the incident, resulting in the injuries to Adwoa Safo and damage to her vehicle.
The suspects and exhibits have been transferred to the police headquarters for further investigation.
Kristo Asafo Mission Statement
However, the leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana has issued a statement addressing reports claiming Adwoa Safo sustained a gunshot injury from her brother during the incident.
“We categorically reject these allegations as false and misleading. To the best of our knowledge and based on information presently available to us, no such shooting occurred,” the statement said.
According to the church, the incident occurred after a lawful church service.
The statement said Adwoa Safo arrived at the premises and “forcefully drove her vehicle into the entrance gates,” striking two metallic gates and causing substantial damage.
The church said numerous worshippers and invited guests were present at the time, including people seated near the entrance.
“The actions described above created a serious risk to life and property. Had the gates completely collapsed or had the vehicle proceeded beyond the entrance, the safety of attendees could have been gravely endangered,” the statement read.
It said security personnel on duty intervened, adding that their actions were “directed solely toward preserving public safety and preventing injury to attendees.”
The church has called on law enforcement authorities to conduct a “thorough and impartial investigation into all aspects of the incident” and urged the public to refrain from drawing conclusions based on unverified social media reports.
“We remain committed to peace, truth, the rule of law, and the safety of all persons who attend our events,” the statement read.
New Kristo Asafo Leader
Following the earlier incident, videos of a swearing-in ceremony circulated widely showing Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena being installed as the new leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, even as a legal battle over his appointment continues in court.
In his inaugural address, Akofena called on members to unite “as one, especially during difficult times” and urged them to rise above challenges and continue the late founder’s works.
Supporters have hailed the installation as a “new dawn” for the movement ahead of the late Apostle Safo Kantanka’s funeral, which is scheduled for July 30.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke