Kantanka Security personnel and seized firearms displayed during investigation

Interior Ministry Suspends Kantanka Security Licence After Adwoa Safo Shooting Investigation

Ghana’s Interior Ministry has suspended the operating licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited following preliminary investigations into a shooting incident involving former MP Sarah Adwoa Safo. Authorities say the measure is precautionary while police investigations continue.

ACCRA, Ghana — Ghana’s Ministry of the Interior has suspended the operating licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited with immediate effect following preliminary investigations into a shooting incident involving former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo.

The ministry said the decision followed allegations that personnel of the private security company used unauthorised uniforms, possessed firearms and ammunition, and may have breached regulations governing private security organisations in Ghana. The suspension comes a day after a shooting incident at Kwabenya in Accra that left Adwoa Safo injured and triggered a police investigation. Authorities have not yet concluded their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

According to the Interior Ministry, preliminary investigations pointed to possible violations of the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1571), which govern the operation of private security firms in Ghana. The ministry said the alleged use of unapproved uniforms, possession and use of firearms and ammunition, and other security accoutrements by private security personnel constituted a serious matter with implications for public safety and national security.

Operations Ordered to Cease

As part of the directive, Kantanka Security Services has been instructed to cease all operations immediately pending the completion of investigations. Public institutions, private organisations and corporate entities have also been advised to suspend business engagements with the company until further notice.

The ministry further directed the company to cooperate fully with the Ghana Police Service and provide all information required to facilitate investigations. Officials stressed that the suspension should be viewed as a precautionary administrative measure rather than a final determination of wrongdoing. The ministry said appropriate action would be taken once investigations are completed.

Firearms Discovery Raises Questions

Reports cited by state authorities indicate that personnel linked to the company were allegedly found in possession of firearms while providing security services at the location where the shooting occurred. Photographs released following the operation appeared to show several firearms, ammunition and security equipment recovered during the investigation.

Graphic Online reported that preliminary police investigations suggested some personnel associated with the company were armed with shotguns and a pistol, despite private security companies not generally being authorised to use firearms under their operating licences.

Authorities have not publicly announced criminal charges arising from the regulatory allegations.

Link to Kristo Asafo Dispute

The shooting occurred amid tensions surrounding a leadership and succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the death of founder Apostle Kwadwo Safo. Several reports have linked the incident to disagreements over succession arrangements within the organisation. However, investigators have not publicly concluded whether the dispute directly caused the shooting.

Police investigations into the shooting remain ongoing.

What We Know

The Interior Ministry has suspended Kantanka Security Services’ operating licence.
The suspension took immediate effect.
Authorities cited possible regulatory breaches involving uniforms, firearms and ammunition.
The company has been ordered to cease operations pending investigations.
Police investigations into the Adwoa Safo shooting continue.

Why It Matters

The decision represents one of the most significant regulatory actions taken against a private security company in Ghana in recent years. It also raises broader questions about oversight of private security operators, firearm possession, compliance standards and accountability within the sector.

The outcome of the investigation could have implications for future regulation of private security firms and for ongoing investigations linked to the Kwabenya shooting.