Members of the Kristo Asafo Church are mourning following the passing of renowned inventor, spiritual leader, and industrialist, Apostle Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Group of Companies.
The news of his death, which broke in the early hours of yesterday, sent shockwaves across the nation and beyond, drawing heartfelt tributes from religious leaders, political figures, celebrities, and everyday Ghanaians who have been touched by his extraordinary legacy.
He reportedly passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
Apostle Safo, affectionately known as the “Star of Africa,” was more than just a religious leader.
He was a pioneer in Ghana’s industrial and technological development, blazing a trail that few dared to follow.
Through his Kantanka Automobile company and other ground-breaking innovations, he championed the cause of African self-reliance and ingenuity for decades.
His daughter, Sarah Adwoa Safo, former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya and former Minister of Gender, in a statement requested “that the general public respects the privacy of the family and loved ones.
“With profound sorrow and deepest grief, the Safo Family and the Kristo Asafo Church announce the peaceful passing of Ghana’s beloved man of God, the greatest technological icon, philanthropist, agriculturalist, and industrialist popularly referred to as “Kantanka, the African Star”.
She concluded the statement by stating that, the “burial and funeral arrangements shall be duly communicated in the coming days.”
Read full statement below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE PASSING OF APOSTLE KWADWO SAFO
With profound sorrow and deepest grief, the Safo Family and the Kristo Asafo Church announce the peaceful passing of Ghana’s beloved man of God, the greatest technological icon, philanthropist, agriculturalist, and industrialist popularly referred to as “Kantanka, the African Star”.
Our dearest Father passed away peacefully on Thursday, 11th September 2025.
Romans 14:8 states; “For if we live, we live to the Lord and if we die, we die to the Lord”.
Apostle Safo was a true genius, the beacon of hope for many, a father to the fatherless. Ghana has indeed lost a gallant son and a true legend.
His unique persona was shaped by his life struggles, dreams, resilience, courage, determination and dedication to His calling and conviction.
During this time of grief, we humbly request that the general public respects the privacy of the family and loved ones.
The burial and funeral arrangements shall be duly communicated in the coming days
Signed
Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo (Esq)
About Kwadwo Safo Kantanka
Apostle Kwadwo Safo was born in Bekwai in the Ashanti Region.
Right from childhood, he had passion for science and technology and grew up desiring to pursue and develop his talent in that space.
After completing basic education, he attended the Ghana Technical Works Institute in Kumasi, where he studied engineering, and later worked as a welder at the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) and other firms.
He founded the Kristo Asafo Mission in 1969, initially as a prayer group.
In 1971, the Mission became an African-initiated church, and later expanding into manufacturing electronics, agricultural tools, and automobiles.
In 1994, Apostle Safo established Kantanka Automobile to produce vehicles suited for African conditions.
The company began manufacturing in 1998, using locally sourced components for models like the Omama SUV and Onantefo pickup truck.
In 2012, using the services of the Chinese company Chongqing Big Science and Technology, Kantanka Automobile established an assembly plant in Accra in order to produce cars from knock-down kits.
Kantanka vehicles are assembled in Ghana using parts imported from China. Completed vehicles are both sold domestically and exported to other West African countries, including Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
Through his philanthropic works, Apostle Safo supported thousands of students, artisans, and entrepreneurs, encouraging youth to pursue innovation and to be proud of their identity. His annual technology exhibitions showcased inventions that spanned robotics, agriculture, automobile engineering, and renewable energy.
Apostle Safo leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to technology, agriculture, and community development.
His remarkable journey was shaped by resilience, courage, and determination. Founder of the Kantanka brand, he elevated Ghana’s technological and industrial landscape while dedicating himself to philanthropy and community development.
His death prompted national mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the nation, highlighting his contributions to Ghana’s religious, social, and industrial landscape. The inventor’s work represented more than business success, establishing a foundation for indigenous technological development in Ghana.
Apostle Safo’s legacy lives on through Kantanka Automobile, which continues producing vehicles that demonstrate Ghana’s capacity for indigenous innovation and industrial self-sufficiency. His vision of African-made solutions for African challenges remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s technological aspirations.
