Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, a revered figure in Ghana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025. The news was confirmed with profound sorrow and deepest grief by the Safo family and the Kristo Asafo Church, marking the end of an era for the nation. Widely celebrated as a man of God, innovator, philanthropist, agriculturalist, and industrialist, Apostle Safo was a true genius and a beacon of hope for many, leaving behind an indelible legacy of faith, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to technology, agriculture, and community development.

Born on August 26, 1948, in Bom near Kensere in the Amansie East district of the Ashanti Region, Ghana, Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka hailed from Bekwai. Growing up, he was known for his inquisitive mind and a unique ability to blend practical knowledge with spiritual conviction. These foundational experiences shaped his dual identity as both an inventor and a religious leader. In the early 1970s, he embraced a divine calling, establishing the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, also known as the Christ Reformed Church. This fellowship rapidly grew into one of Ghana's most vibrant and unique indigenous churches, combining spiritual teachings with social and economic empowerment, encouraging members to acquire vocational training, agricultural, and technological skills as part of their Christian duty.

Beyond his pastoral mission, Apostle Safo emerged as a national symbol of ingenuity through the founding of Kantanka Automobile in the 1990s. His vision was to create vehicles designed and manufactured in Ghana, tailored to African needs. Over the years, Kantanka unveiled a variety of vehicles, including SUVs, pickups, and saloon cars, such as the Omama and Onantefo models. These innovations were prominently showcased during annual Kristo Asafo Technology Exhibitions, which also featured aircraft prototypes and agricultural machinery. While debates occasionally arose regarding the extent of local manufacturing versus assembly of imported parts, Kantanka Automobile stood as a powerful symbol of Ghana’s potential for industrial independence and self-reliance. His broader business empire, the Kantanka Group, spanned multiple sectors including automotive, pharmaceuticals, and technological innovation.

Apostle Safo often blurred the lines between spiritual leadership and technological showmanship, using public exhibitions to demonstrate his various inventions. These demonstrations, which included vehicles and even claims of military-grade innovations, captivated the imagination of Ghanaians and kept national conversations about local innovation alive. He positioned himself not merely as a religious leader but as a visionary inventor, determined to prove that Africans could develop solutions to their own challenges without overreliance on external imports.

Philanthropy was a central tenet of Apostle Safo’s life mission. Through the Kristo Asafo Mission, he spearheaded extensive outreach programs to marginalized communities, providing food, shelter, and financial support. He funded schools, initiated vocational training programs, and implemented agricultural projects aimed at creating employment and improving food security. His philosophy, integrating faith with practical skills, inspired thousands of Ghanaians to embrace self-reliance as a divine mandate.

Throughout his illustrious career, Apostle Safo received numerous national and international honors for his contributions to innovation, entrepreneurship, and social development. His name became synonymous with originality, creativity, and determination. Like many pioneering figures, his journey was not without controversy, with sceptics sometimes questioning the extent and originality of his technological innovations. However, his persistent efforts undeniably sparked crucial conversations about Ghana’s capacity for industrialization and technological independence.

Tributes poured in from across the nation following his death. Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia expressed profound sorrow, describing Apostle Safo as a pioneering innovator, spiritual leader, and a true patriot whose legacy would continue to inspire generations. Dr. Bawumia highlighted Apostle Safo’s far-reaching contributions beyond the pulpit, noting how he pioneered indigenous innovations and fostered an industrial spirit among Ghanaians, in addition to his celebrated philanthropic endeavors. The family, including his daughter and former MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, appealed for privacy during this period of mourning, stating that funeral arrangements would be announced in due course. Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, the "Star of Africa," leaves behind a multifaceted legacy as a spiritual leader, a daring inventor, a profound philanthropist, and a relentless advocate for African self-reliance and technological advancement.