Breaking Loss: Ghana Grieves the Legendary Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka
A National Tragedy
Ghana has lost one of its most iconic figures. Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, the visionary technologist, industrialist and religious leader, has passed away. His family and the Kristo Asafo Church confirmed in a statement that he died peacefully on Thursday, 11 September 2025, at the age of 77.
The announcement, signed by his daughter and former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, described him as “a beacon of hope for many, a father to the fatherless and a true genius.”
His passing marks the end of a remarkable era in Ghana’s journey towards industrialisation and self-reliance.
Who Was Kwadwo Safo Kantanka?
Born on 26 August 1948 in Bom, near Kensere in the Ashanti Region, Kwadwo Safo Kantanka rose from humble beginnings to become one of Ghana’s most celebrated inventors and entrepreneurs.
He founded the Kantanka Group, Ghana’s largest locally owned technology conglomerate, and in 1994 established Kantanka Automobile, the first fully Ghanaian owned car manufacturing company. The company has produced saloon cars, SUVs, military style vehicles and pickup trucks, largely using locally sourced materials and technology.
His inventions extended far beyond automobiles, covering electronic appliances, agricultural tools and even robotics. His annual Kristo Asafo Technology Exhibition in Accra often drew crowds of government officials, business leaders and ordinary citizens eager to see his latest innovations.
Spiritual Leadership and Social Impact
Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka was the founder and spiritual leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission. The church was unique in its blend of Christian faith, industrialisation and social development.
Through the church, he championed agricultural projects, provided scholarships to disadvantaged students and supported community development initiatives. Many of his followers regarded him not only as a religious leader but also as a father figure who dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and vulnerable.
The family’s tribute highlighted his resilience and determination, describing his life as one shaped by “struggles, dreams and courage.”
The Legacy of Kantanka Automobile
Perhaps Apostle Safo’s most visible achievement was the establishment of Kantanka Automobile. At a time when Africa’s auto industry was dominated by imports from Europe, Asia and America, his company became a bold statement of what African ingenuity could achieve.
Though the company has faced stiff challenges, including limited government support and consumer preference for imported second hand cars, it still stands as Ghana’s leading symbol of technological independence. According to data from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana imports over 70,000 used cars annually, making it difficult for local manufacturers to compete. Yet Kantanka Automobile remains resilient, proving that with proper policy backing, local industries can thrive.
For many Ghanaians, driving a Kantanka car became more than just transportation. It was a statement of patriotism and support for local innovation.
Why the Death of Kwadwo Safo Kantanka Matters
The passing of Kwadwo Safo Kantanka is more than the loss of an individual. It is a national moment of reflection on Ghana’s path towards self-sufficiency and industrialisation. His innovations represented the possibility of reducing dependence on foreign imports and building industries powered by local expertise.
At a time when Ghana’s government continues to push industrialisation policies such as One District One Factory, his legacy serves as a reminder that sustainable development must prioritise homegrown talent. His life’s work offers lessons in resilience, innovation and determination, values that remain relevant for the country’s economic transformation.
National and Regional Influence
Tributes have begun pouring in from across Ghana and beyond. Political leaders, business executives and ordinary citizens have praised his contribution to technology, faith and society. Regional commentators across Africa have also pointed out that Apostle Safo embodied the spirit of Pan Africanism, proving that Africans could design, build and market their own technological solutions.
His passing resonates beyond Ghana because many African countries face similar struggles with industrialisation, overdependence on imports and lack of support for local innovators. In this context, his achievements remain an important case study for the continent.
Continuing His Vision
Although Apostle Safo is no longer alive, his dream of an industrialised Africa lives on. His son, Kwadwo Safo Jnr., currently oversees the operations of Kantanka Automobile, and many observers believe the company will play a central role in preserving his father’s vision.
The challenge now lies in whether Ghana and Africa at large will provide the policy, financial and structural support to scale up innovations like Kantanka Automobile. Without this, his legacy risks being remembered only as inspiration rather than a foundation for sustainable growth.
What Comes Next
The Safo family has asked the public to respect their privacy as they grieve, promising that details of the funeral and burial arrangements will be released in due course. Thousands are expected to attend, given his status as both a religious leader and national figure.
As Ghanaians mourn his loss, conversations are already emerging about how best to honour his memory, whether through state recognition, policy reforms to strengthen local industries, or expanded support for technological innovation.
Closing Insight
Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo Kantanka’s life was a rare combination of spirituality, industrial vision and philanthropy. His passing leaves Ghana with both a loss and an opportunity: a loss of a national legend, and an opportunity to build on the foundation he laid.
If his vision is sustained, Ghana could move closer to becoming a hub of African innovation. If it is not, his story may serve as a cautionary tale of missed potential.
For now, his name remains etched in Ghana’s history as the man who dared to prove that Africans could build for themselves.
