Former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo has strongly denied allegations that she carried or discharged a firearm during the shooting incident that occurred at a property linked to her younger brother in Kwabenya, insisting that she has never owned a gun and had no involvement in any armed confrontation.
Speaking while receiving medical treatment following the incident, Adwoa Safo stated, “I don’t own a gun, I didn’t shoot a gun and I will never shoot a gun,” dismissing claims that she arrived at the scene armed or engaged in any violent act.
The incident, which occurred on June 21, has attracted significant public attention due to the involvement of members of the Kristo Asafo family and the ongoing leadership disputes surrounding the Kristo Asafo Mission following the death of its founder, Kwadwo Safo. Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding what transpired at the property owned by her younger brother, Israel Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as Akofena.
According to Adwoa Safo, she visited the residence solely as a family member and not as part of any organised confrontation. She maintained that she travelled alone and without security personnel, describing the matter as a private family issue rather than a dispute that warranted violence. She further rejected reports suggesting that she rammed her vehicle into the entrance gate of the property before the shooting occurred.
The former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection expressed concern over what she described as misinformation circulating about the incident, particularly allegations that she possessed a firearm. She argued that such claims were false and did not reflect the events that took place.
The controversy intensified after the Kristo Asafo Mission issued a statement disputing reports that Adwoa Safo had been deliberately targeted and shot. The organisation maintained that no gunfire was directed at her and alleged instead that she drove into the property’s gate after a church-related event, causing damage and creating panic among worshippers. The church said security personnel intervened to prevent the situation from escalating and urged the public to rely on verified facts while investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service launched investigations into the incident and subsequently arrested several individuals connected to the matter. Police reports indicate that six private security guards were initially arrested, while searches conducted at the scene led to the retrieval of multiple firearms and ammunition. Authorities recovered five pump action guns, a Taurus pistol loaded with seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, an additional magazine containing five rounds, and communication equipment.
Preliminary police investigations suggest that armed security personnel stationed at the residence discharged firearms during the confrontation. Authorities confirmed that Adwoa Safo sustained injuries and that her vehicle bore multiple gunshot marks. Investigators are working to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting and determine who authorised the use of firearms.
The arrests were followed by additional police operations that resulted in the detention of Israel Safo and other suspects. According to investigators, searches uncovered more firearms, ammunition, and loaded magazines, leading to a series of charges including possession and use of offensive weapons as well as causing unlawful damage. Court proceedings have since commenced, with the accused persons granted bail while investigations continue.
The incident has also entered the wider national conversation on firearm ownership and regulation. It comes at a time when the government has announced stricter firearm controls and ordered a fresh review of gun licences across the country following several high profile gun related incidents.
Political observers note that the case has drawn unusual attention because of Adwoa Safo’s prominence in Ghanaian politics and the long standing public interest in developments within the Kristo Asafo family. The competing narratives from the former legislator, the church leadership, and law enforcement authorities have further heightened public interest in the ongoing investigations.
For now, Adwoa Safo remains adamant that she neither owns nor used a firearm and insists she was a victim rather than a participant in any armed confrontation. As police investigations continue and court proceedings advance, authorities are expected to provide further details regarding the events that unfolded in Kwabenya and the roles played by those involved.
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