The Legal Counsel for the Kristo Asafo Mission, Nana Kofi Safo Kantanka has disclosed that nine accused persons, including Israel Kwadwo Sarfo Akofena, were granted bail after appearing before the court on charges linked to unlawful possession of weapons and alleged involvement in prohibited vigilante activity.
The Lawyer stated that the court proceedings centered primarily on bail after the charges were formally read to the accused persons. He noted that all nine individuals entered pleas of not guilty before the court considered the defence team’s application.
Following the pleas, the legal team moved swiftly to seek bail for the accused persons. The application, he said, was granted with the court setting bail at GH¢500,000 with two sureties.
He clarified that the amount applied collectively to all accused persons and not to each individual as earlier speculated in public discussions. That clarification, he indicated, was necessary to correct widespread misunderstanding surrounding the court order.
“They all pleaded not guilty to the charges. And as a matter of consequence, we put in the bail application, and the bail was granted.”
Nana Kofi Safo Kantanka
The Lawyer further explained that efforts to satisfy the bail conditions began immediately after proceedings ended. He indicated that members of the legal team were working with the sureties to complete the required documentation for the release process.
Additionally, he outlined the procedural requirements attached to the bail arrangement. The sureties, he explained, are expected to complete and sign official forms before the accused persons can be released.
Touching on the charges, the counsel stated that prosecutors presented two principal counts before the court. These involved alleged breach of laws on vigilante groups and unlawful possession of weapons.
An important dimension of the proceedings, he noted, was that the substantive case has not yet commenced. He explained that the court session focused solely on bail, leaving detailed legal arguments for a later hearing.
Addressing public discussion over the adjournment date, the Lawyer said the defence had no influence over judicial scheduling. He explained that once the court fixed September 23rd for the next sitting, all parties were obliged to comply.
He added that the legal team would use the period before the next hearing to prepare for the substantive proceedings. The focus, he indicated, is on ensuring due process within the judicial framework.
Church Seeks Peace As Internal Mediation Efforts Intensify
The legal dispute surrounding the Kristo Asafo Mission has also directed attention to reconciliation efforts as lawyers and church leadership seek an internal resolution to tensions following the shooting involving Sarah Adwoa Safo.
Nana Kofi Safo Kantanka stated that the current leadership structure of the church remains valid under decisions taken by the council of elders. He explained that no formal constitutional process has altered the appointment of the present leader, leaving the transition intact.
Discussing the bail ruling, the Lawyer emphasised that the court acted within its lawful authority when granting bail to the accused persons. He stated that judicial discretion remains central to bail determinations and all parties are bound by such decisions.
“Bail is at the discretion of the court, and so if the court has exercised its discretion legally, there are no qualms with it. It’s like a court giving a judgment. When the court gives its decision, we are all bound by it.”
Nana Kofi Safo Kantanka
Furthermore, The Lawyer disclosed that both the family and the church are considering internal dispute resolution mechanisms to restore calm. He indicated that elders within the mission are expected to play a central role in mediation. Their involvement, he said, could help facilitate dialogue and support an amicable settlement among affected parties.
In addition, he revealed plans to personally reach out to Adwoa Safo after court proceedings. That engagement, he suggested, is to encourage peace and reduce friction within the family and church community.
The Lawyer rejected suggestions that the incident has damaged the reputation of the Kristo Asafo Mission. He argued that the existence of legal institutions to resolve disputes demonstrates that systems are available to manage crises responsibly.
He acknowledged that the shooting and the resulting public attention have unsettled many within and outside the church. Even so, he insisted the institution remains stable despite the strain caused by the dispute.
He also disclosed that the National Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to deliberate on the matter. The expected communiqué, he said, will provide guidance on the church’s next steps.
In drawing historical parallels, he noted that leadership transitions in religious institutions often generate periods of instability after the passing of a founder. Such moments, he explained, frequently test organisational unity before stability returns.
The Lawyer stressed that the new leadership is expected to continue the mission and vision established by the late founder. He conveyed confidence that the institution would navigate the current challenge and emerge stronger through dialogue and reconciliation.
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