Ghana is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures. Apostle Kwadwo Safo, widely known as Kantanka and celebrated as the founder of Kristo Asafo Church and Kantanka Group of Companies, has passed away at the age of 77.

His daughter, Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo — former Dome Kwabenya MP and Minister for Gender — confirmed his passing in a statement released on Sunday morning. The Apostle is reported to have died peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Born on August 26, 1948, in Bekwai, Ashanti Region, Apostle Safo grew from humble beginnings into a towering figure whose influence spanned faith, science, technology, and philanthropy.

Over the years, he became affectionately known as the “Star of Africa” — a preacher, inventor, innovator, physicist, chemist, biologist, agriculturist, and philanthropist rolled into one. He was also the visionary behind the Great KOSA network of companies and Chairman of the Kantanka Group.

Through Kristo Asafo Mission, which began as a prayer group in 1969, Apostle Safo built not only a church but also an industrial force. His greatest breakthrough came with the establishment of Kantanka Automobile in 1994, a Ghanaian car company that manufactured vehicles tailored for African roads. Models like the Kantanka Omama SUV and Onantefo pickup stood as symbols of African ingenuity and pride.

In a statement, the Safo family described him as “a true genius, a beacon of hope, and a father to the fatherless. Ghana has indeed lost a gallant son and a true legend.” They requested privacy as funeral arrangements are being finalised.

Apostle Safo’s passion for science and technology was evident from childhood. After studying engineering at the Ghana Technical Works Institute in Kumasi, he worked as a welder at VALCO before pursuing his vision of blending faith with industry. By the late 1990s, Kantanka Automobile was producing vehicles using locally sourced components, later expanding into an assembly plant in Accra in partnership with Chongqing Big Science and Technology. Today, Kantanka cars are sold in Ghana and exported to other West African countries, including Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

More than an industrialist, Apostle Safo was a symbol of possibility — proving that African innovation could match global standards. His life’s work continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs, inventors, and believers.

Funeral and burial arrangements will be communicated by the family in due course.

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