The Paramount Chief of Essumegya, Odeneho Okyere Kusi Ntrama Aduako II, has publicly distanced himself from the funeral arrangements for the late Kristo Asafo leader, Apostle Kwadwo Safo, following claims that he would announce the date for the renowned engineer’s burial.

The chief said he has had no engagement with the family and has not been assigned any role in the process.

The issue arose after a native of Essumegya, Kwabena Karikari, at a press conference organised by the Kantaka family in Accra on Monday, July 27, said the Essumegya Paramount Chief would soon communicate the official burial date.

Kwabena Karikari, dismissing widespread reports suggesting the late industrialist would be buried on July 30, 2026, urged the public to await the chief’s announcement.

However, Odeneho Okyere Kusi Ntrama Aduako II, during a press conference in Kumasi on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, denied the claim, saying he was surprised to hear his name mentioned in connection with the funeral.

"I have not held any meeting with the family regarding the burial of Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, and I have not been involved in any discussion to fix or announce the funeral date," he said.

The head of the Aduana royal family at Essumegya, Pastor Kusi Boateng, who spoke on behalf of the chief, explained that under Essumegya tradition, such responsibilities apply only to royals of the town, adding that the late Kristo Asafo founder did not belong to the royal lineage.

"Apostle Kantanka was not a royal of Essumegya, so I cannot be expected to set or announce his burial date," Nana Okyere Kusi Aduako II said, urging Ghanaians to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.