Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has paid tribute to Apostle Kwadwo Safo, the founder of the Kristo Asafo Church and the Kantanka Group of Companies. Apostle Safo passed away last Thursday at the age of 77. Dr. Bawumia stated that he “served Ghana beyond the capacity of a religious leader.”
In his reaction to the news of Apostle Safo’s passing, Dr. Bawumia described him as a pioneer of indigenous innovations who inspired an industrial spirit among Ghanaians. He also highlighted Apostle Safo’s dedication to improving the lives of the less privileged in society, citing his numerous celebrated philanthropic endeavors.
Below is a copy of Dr Bawumia’s reaction
I have received with deep sadness the news of the passing of Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, a pioneering Ghanaian innovator and the founder and leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission. Apostle Safo served Ghana beyond the capacity of a religious leader. He pioneered indigenous innovations and forcefully inspired an industrial spirit amongst Ghanaians. He was also dedicated to improving the lives of the less privileged in society as witnessed in his celebrated numerous philanthropic endeavours.
As a religious leader, his open arms received me. Anytime I called on him, I departed his presence with lasting words of encouragement and wisdom. On behalf of my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Kristo Asafo Mission, and all who mourn this irreparable loss. May his legacy continue to endure and inspire future generations to believe in our domestic solutions, serve their communities, and put Ghana first.
Born August 26, 1948, he died on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
Apostle Kwadwo Safo has established himself over the years as a prominent preacher, inventor, innovator, physicist, chemist, biologist, agriculturalist, and philanthropist. Nicknamed “The Star of Africa,” he is the founder of the Great KOSA network of companies and serves as the Chairman of the Kantanka Group of Companies.
He also founded Kantanka Automobile, a Ghana-based automotive company, and the Kristo Asafo Mission, a religious and industrial organisation. Apostle Safo is recognized for his contributions to local manufacturing and technological innovation in Ghana, particularly through vehicles such as the Kantanka Omama SUV and the Onantefo pickup truck, which are designed for African markets.
Below is a copy of the statement from the family announcing his death
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 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)
Apostle Kwadwo Safo was born in Bekwai in the Ashanti Region. Right from childhood, he had a 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 expanded 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, Kantanka Automobile, in collaboration with the Chinese company Chongqing Big Science and Technology, established an assembly plant in Accra 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.
Source: Graphic Online
