Ghana has been plunged into mourning following the passing of Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo, affectionately known as “Kantanka, the African Star.”
The revered man of God, philanthropist, industrialist, and pioneer of indigenous technology, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
The news was confirmed in a statement issued by his daughter, Sarah Adwoa Safo, Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, who described her father as a “true genius and beacon of hope.”
“Our dearest father passed away peacefully on Thursday, 11th September 2025. For if we live, we live to the Lord and if we die, we die to the Lord,” she quoted Romans 14:8, affirming her father’s devotion to God and humanity.
A life of faith and innovation
Born in 1948 at Bekwai in the Ashanti Region, Apostle Dr. Safo rose from humble beginnings to become one of Ghana’s most celebrated and multifaceted personalities.
He founded the Kristo Asafo Church in the late 1960s, a ministry that grew rapidly across Ghana and beyond.
His teachings blended spirituality with practical solutions for everyday life, and he built a reputation as a pastor who preached through deeds rather than words.
Beyond the pulpit, Apostle Safo became synonymous with Ghanaian ingenuity.
Through his company, Kantanka Automobile, he spearheaded the manufacturing of vehicles, agricultural machinery, and electronic appliances locally.
His annual technological exhibitions showcased inventions ranging from cars and military hardware to robotics, cementing his image as a visionary committed to proving that Africans could design and produce cutting-edge technologies.
Philanthropy and agricultural impact
Apostle Safo’s contributions extended to agriculture, where he promoted large-scale mechanized farming to ensure food security for Ghana.
His philanthropic efforts were equally remarkable.
He provided scholarships for needy students, funded community projects, and supported vulnerable groups.
He was often described as “a father to the fatherless” due to his relentless generosity.
Legacy of courage and conviction
According to his family, Apostle Safo’s life was defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in the potential of Africans.
He overcame skepticism and criticism in his early years to establish himself as a national treasure.
His life’s work embodied courage and conviction, inspiring generations to dream beyond limitations.
Family’s Appeal for Privacy
The Safo family and the Kristo Asafo Church have appealed to the public to respect their privacy as they mourn their patriarch. Details of the funeral and burial arrangements will be communicated in the coming days.
For many Ghanaians, Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo was more than a church leader—he was a national icon who dared to believe in Africa’s capacity for greatness.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy of faith, innovation, and service to humanity will endure for generations to come.
