Founder of Kantanka Automobile and the Kristo Asafo Mission, Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka has passed away.
The Safo family and the Kristo Asafo Church confirmed that Apostle Safo died peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
In the statement, signed by his daughter, Sarah Adwoa Safo (former MP for Dome Kwabenya), the family described him as a “true genius, the beacon of hope for many, a father to the fatherless.”
The family expressed their deepest grief over the loss of a “gallant son” whose legacy and persona were shaped by his life struggles, dreams, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The family has requested that the public respect their privacy during this period of grief. Details regarding burial and funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days.
Apostle Prof. Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka was born on August 26, 1948 in Bom (near Kensere), Ashanti Region, Ghana. He died aged 77 years. He was born to Opanin Yaw Safo (father) & Obaapanin Yaa Amoanimaa (mother)
His son, Kwadwo Safo Kantanka Jr. is the CEO of Kantanka Group, pilot & entrepreneur. His daughter Sarah Adwoa Safo is a politician, lawyer and former MP & Gender Minister. He has other children including; Joche Safo (lawyer), Monarch Safo, and others.
See the full statement below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THE PASSING OF APOSTLE DR. KWADWO SAFO
With profound sorrow and deepest grief, the Safo Family and the Kristo Asafo Church announces 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 galant 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)
Education
- Attended Ghana Technical Works Institute (now Kumasi Technical University) – studied engineering
• Trained as a welder for 3 years at VALCO and West African Metals
• Practical, self-taught innovator in electronics and mechanics
• Later received honorary academic titles, including:
• – Honorary Professorship (Emeritus) – Alfred Nobel University, Ukraine (2019)
• – Honorary Doctor of Laws – University of Ghana (1999)
Professional Achievements
- Founder of Kantanka Group (multi-sector conglomerate)
• Divisions: Automobile, Engineering & Construction, Media (Kantanka TV), Healthcare (Great KOSA Clinic), Agriculture, Finance, Security, Education, Herbal Pharma, etc.
• Founder of Kantanka Automobile (1994) – first Ghana-made car (1998)
• Built:
• Onantefo I (2006) & Onantefo II (2007) SUVs
• Obrempon Limousine (2007) – 26-foot stretch car
• Locally-made engine (1998) with 75% Ghanaian parts
Other inventions:
• Voice-controlled TVs & doors
• Solar-powered appliances & electric car
•– Musical instruments (guitars, drums, amps)
•– Light helicopter (KTK O2)
Established Kantanka Auto Plant in Gomoa Mpota (capacity ~120 vehicles/month)
• Created hundreds of jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for Ghanaian youth
Religious Leadership
- Founder & Leader of Kristo Asafo (Christ Reformed) Church
• Received divine call in 1969, first church opened in 1971 (Accra)
• Church has 130+ branches in Ghana + congregations abroad (Togo, Europe, North America)
• Philosophy: Africans can achieve what the West does – technology as empowerment
• Annual Kantanka Tech & Agriculture Expo – showcases inventions & local produce
• Church engages in philanthropy: schools, farms, hospitals, orphanage support, prison outreach
Awards & Recognition
- Order of the Volta (2007) – one of Ghana’s highest honors
• Grand Medal (2000) – Ghanaian national award
• Millennium Excellence Award (2005)
• Innovative Pioneer Award (GUBA 2017, UK)
• Honorary titles:
•– Emeritus Professor of Engineering – Alfred Nobel University (2019)
•– Honorary Doctor of Laws – University of Ghana (1999)
• Recognized as Africa’s “Best Scientist” (2014 Marcus Garvey Awards)
• Widely celebrated in Ghanaian press as a pioneer of local technology
Legacy & Impact
- Pioneer of Made-in-Ghana automobiles and electronics
• Trained and inspired thousands of apprentices and young innovators
• Created jobs in engineering, construction, agriculture, and healthcare
• Annual Tech Expo has become a hub for innovation & youth inspiration
• Symbol of Ghanaian self-reliance & technological independence
• Embodiment of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of African industrialization
• Blended faith, science, and social development into one mission
Source:Lovinghananews.com
