Ghana is set to bid farewell to one of its most celebrated innovators, industrialists, and spiritual leaders, Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo, as final funeral rites are scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
The renowned inventor, philanthropist, and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission will be laid to rest in Gomoa Mpota in the Central Region, according to funeral arrangements released by Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo, Head of the Kantanka Family, the Kristo Asafo Mission, and the Funeral Planning Committee.
A national farewell ceremony will follow at Accra’s Independence Square on Friday, July 31, 2026, expected to draw thousands of sympathisers, dignitaries, church members, industrialists, traditional authorities, and admirers from Ghana and beyond. A thanksgiving service will also be held at Jackson Park in Kumasi on Saturday, August 1, 2026, celebrating the extraordinary life and achievements of the late Apostle.
Widely known as “Kantanka,” Apostle Dr. Safo was not only a spiritual leader but also a visionary technologist whose works inspired a new generation of African innovators. He founded the Kristo Asafo Mission in 1971 and later established the Kantanka Group, a conglomerate synonymous with indigenous industrialisation and technological advancement in Ghana.
Dr. Safo’s pioneering efforts in local automobile manufacturing through Kantanka Automobile drew attention across the continent, producing vehicles designed specifically for African roads and conditions. His technological innovations extended to electronics, agriculture, engineering, and machinery, with annual exhibitions showcasing locally developed machines aimed at transforming Ghana’s industrial landscape.
Beyond innovation, Apostle Safo was celebrated for his philanthropic work. Through the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Group, he created employment opportunities for thousands of young Ghanaians, invested in education, healthcare, and skills development, and supported the needy across the nation.
Admired as a symbol of African ingenuity, resilience, and self-belief, Dr. Safo’s contributions to science, technology, and religion earned him numerous local and international accolades. Academics and supporters alike have highlighted his dedication to using faith, science, and technology as tools for Africa’s transformation.
As Ghana prepares to lay him to rest, tributes continue to pour in from all sectors, celebrating a life dedicated to empowering Africa through innovation, faith, and humanitarianism.
