The Ministry for the Interior has suspended the operating licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited with immediate effect following the controversial shooting incident involving former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, an incident that has intensified the ongoing succession battle within the Kristo Asafo Mission and triggered multiple investigations by state security agencies.

The decision marks a significant escalation in the government’s response to the June 21 incident at Kwabenya, where gunfire allegedly erupted during a confrontation linked to a disputed leadership succession process within the Kristo Asafo movement following the death of its founder, Apostle Emeritus Professor Ing. Kwadwo Safo.

In a statement issued on June 22, 2026, the Interior Ministry disclosed that preliminary investigations had uncovered alleged breaches of the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1571), which governs the operations of private security companies in Ghana.

According to the Ministry, the suspension was based on allegations involving the use of unapproved uniforms, the possession of firearms and ammunition, and the alleged use of weapons by personnel associated with Kantanka Security Services while providing private security services at the scene of the incident.

The Ministry described the alleged conduct as a serious threat to public safety and national security.

“The usage of unprescribed uniforms, unauthorised possession and use of firearms and ammunition as well as security accoutrements by private security personnel constitutes a serious breach with significant implications for public safety and security,” the statement emphasized.

As a result, the company has been ordered to cease all operations immediately pending the outcome of investigations being conducted by law enforcement authorities.

The Ministry further advised all institutions, organizations and individuals to suspend any business engagements with Kantanka Security Services Limited until investigations are completed and further directives are issued.

Authorities have also directed the company to cooperate fully with investigators and provide all relevant information necessary to facilitate a comprehensive examination of the incident.

The suspension comes amid a rapidly developing criminal investigation into the shooting incident that left Sarah Adwoa Safo hospitalized and reignited longstanding tensions within the family of the late Kristo Asafo founder.

The controversy is rooted in a bitter succession dispute that emerged following the death of Apostle Kwadwo Safo in September 2025.

For several years, Israel Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as Akofena, had been regarded by many followers as the designated successor to the founder after being appointed in 2017 to oversee both the church and various business interests within the Kristo Asafo conglomerate.

However, family members aligned with Adwoa Safo have maintained that the late founder later reviewed those arrangements, revoked Akofena’s succession mandate and subsequently appointed Adwoa Safo as Head of the Kwadwo Safo Family while outlining a new roadmap for the future leadership of the church.

The dispute has since generated legal battles, competing claims of authority and deep divisions within the religious movement.

According to a statement released by Adwoa Safo’s family, the latest confrontation occurred when efforts were allegedly made to serve court documents seeking to halt what they described as an unauthorized installation ceremony intended to declare Akofena leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission.

The family claims that during the encounter, gunshots were allegedly fired toward Adwoa Safo and her vehicle, prompting reports to the police and triggering a major security operation.

The Ghana Police Service subsequently announced the arrest of Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena and two other suspects, Nana Kwaku Afriyie and Kwadwo Safo Koomson, in connection with the incident.

Police investigations later led to searches of Akofena’s residence and vehicle, resulting in the recovery of large quantities of ammunition, loaded magazines and two Glock pistols, one of which authorities say is registered in his name.

All three suspects remain in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, conflicting narratives continue to emerge regarding the events that led to the shooting.

While family representatives of Adwoa Safo have described the incident as a targeted attack, legal representatives connected to the opposing faction have publicly disputed aspects of that account, insisting that investigations should be allowed to establish the full facts.

The Interior Ministry has stressed that the suspension of Kantanka Security Services is purely an administrative measure intended to protect public safety while investigations continue.

Officials insist that no final conclusions have been reached regarding criminal liability and that any further sanctions will be determined based on the findings of ongoing investigations.