Former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo has rejected claims that she single-handedly chose the date for her late father’s funeral, insisting that it was approved by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
According to her, the family followed the appropriate traditional processes and consulted the Manhyia Palace throughout the planning due to her father’s royal lineage in the Ashanti Kingdom.
Her remarks come after her brother, Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I, Head of the Safo Family and leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, stated that disagreements over the funeral arrangements remained unresolved, making it impossible to confirm a burial date.
Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Adwoa Safo explained that preparations for the funeral began in October after the family observed the 40-day rites for their late father.
She said the family could not proceed with the burial arrangements without first seeking the guidance and approval of the Asantehene because of her father’s royal status.
“My father is from a royal family in the Ashanti Region, and so, for a royal of his calibre, we couldn’t have done anything without consulting the King of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,” she said.
Adwoa Safo disclosed that the family held several consultations with the Manhyia Palace, where they received guidance on the required traditional processes before a funeral date was finally approved.
“We went back and forth to the palace seeking clearance, guidance and advice on how to proceed. Finally, the King agreed that we had put the necessary arrangements in place and approved a date for us,” she stated.
She stressed that the disputed funeral date was not her personal decision but one sanctioned by the Manhyia Palace.
“I want to state again, for the benefit of those who have pretended they did not hear, that the date is not my date. That date came from the palace,” she said.
The former lawmaker added that anyone unhappy with the chosen date should direct their concerns to the traditional authority that approved it.
“So, if you want the date changed, then go and challenge the authority in the Ashanti Kingdom that approved the date for your father to be buried,” she added.
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