The Ministry of the Interior has suspended the operating licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited with immediate effect following a shooting incident that left former Dome Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, injured during a family-related security situation in Accra.
According to official statements from the Interior Ministry and confirmed reports from security and media sources, the suspension was triggered after preliminary investigations suggested that personnel of the private security firm may have breached regulatory requirements governing private security operations in Ghana. The action is being taken under the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992, which sets strict rules for the licensing and conduct of private security companies in the country.
The incident occurred on June 21, 2026, at Kwabenya in Accra, where Adwoa Safo reportedly sustained a gunshot injury to her left ear while at the residence of a family member. Police investigations indicate that the situation escalated into a violent confrontation involving individuals linked to private security operations deployed at the residence. Six persons have since been arrested in connection with the incident as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances that led to the shooting.
The Interior Ministry’s decision to suspend Kantanka Security Services is based on early findings that personnel of the company were allegedly in possession of firearms and using unapproved uniforms while providing security services at the location. Authorities also indicated concerns about possible unauthorised use of weapons and non compliance with operational standards required for private security organisations.
A statement issued by the Ministry explained that the suspension is an administrative measure intended to protect public safety while investigations continue. It also directed all institutions and individuals to suspend dealings with the company until further notice and urged full cooperation with the Ghana Police Service as part of ongoing investigations.
The Ministry further stressed that the suspension does not represent a final determination of guilt but is a precautionary step taken to ensure that the integrity of the investigation is maintained and that public safety is not compromised. It added that appropriate sanctions will be applied if violations are confirmed after the completion of investigations.
Reports from credible local media platforms indicate that the shooting incident is linked to a family dispute involving members of the Safo family, with Kantanka Security Services personnel allegedly present at the scene in a protective capacity. The situation escalated into gunfire, resulting in injury to Adwoa Safo, who is currently receiving medical attention.
Police sources have confirmed that a full investigation is underway to determine who fired the shots, the legality of the weapons used, and whether the security personnel involved acted within the scope of their duties. Authorities are also examining whether the private security firm complied with licensing conditions and firearm regulations at the time of the incident.
The Kantanka Security Services suspension has drawn widespread public attention due to the profile of the individuals involved and the broader implications for private security operations in Ghana. Kantanka Security is associated with the Kantanka Group, founded by the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo, a prominent Ghanaian industrialist and religious leader.
Security analysts say the development highlights growing concerns about private security firms and the need for stricter enforcement of regulations governing firearm possession, training, and operational conduct. Ghana’s private security sector has expanded significantly in recent years, with companies playing an increasingly important role in residential, corporate, and event security.
Meanwhile, Adwoa Safo, a lawyer and former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, remains under medical observation. Her family has not yet released a detailed public statement on her condition, but sources close to the situation confirm that she is receiving treatment and is expected to recover.
The Interior Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing compliance within the private security industry and has warned that any organisation found violating licensing conditions will face strict sanctions. It also encouraged the public to report suspicious or unlawful security activities to the police.
As investigations continue, authorities say further details will be released once preliminary forensic and witness assessments are completed. The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for how private security companies operate and are regulated in Ghana going forward.
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