Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, a prominent Ghanaian entrepreneur, inventor, and pastor, was a man whose work bridged faith, technology, and industry.

He was born on August 26, 1948, in Bekwai, Ashanti Region, and became widely known for his contributions to local manufacturing and technological innovation in Ghana and beyond.

He passed away on September 11, 2025.

Apostle Kwadwo Safo donates GH¢100,000 to Kumasi Children's Home

From a young age, Kwadwo Safo had a passion for science and technology. He honed his skills at the Ghana Technical Works Institute in Kumasi before working as a welder.

His journey took a spiritual turn in 1969 when he founded the Kristo Asafo Mission, which began as a prayer group and evolved into an African-initiated church.

The mission expanded beyond religion, venturing into manufacturing electronics, agricultural tools, and automobiles. Its philosophy promotes the renewal of Africa, teaching that all humans are gods because the Holy Spirit resides within them, and views Heaven and Hell as states of mind rather than physical locations.

In 1994, Safo founded Kantanka Automobile to produce vehicles specifically designed for African conditions. Manufacturing began in 1998 with locally sourced components for initial models, including the Omama SUV and Onantefo pickup truck.

I will invest heavily in Kantanka automobile if I become President – Kofi Akpaloo

In 2012, the company partnered with the Chinese firm Chongqing Big Science & Technology to establish an assembly plant in Accra, producing vehicles from knock-down kits. While the vehicles are assembled in Ghana, some parts are imported from China, and the assembly process requires electricity.

The completed vehicles are sold domestically and exported to other West African countries, including Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.

Details about his family are limited, but reports indicate he was married to Oheneyere Akosua Safo.

They had six children, including Sarah Adwoa Safo, former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya.

Meanwhile, a 3news report on September 14, 2025, has listed the following notable achievements of Apostle Safo as captured below:

Education • Attended Ghana Technical Works Institute (now Kumasi Technical University) – studied engineering

• Trained as a welder for 3 years at VALCO and West African Metals

• Practical, self-taught innovator in electronics and mechanics

• Later received honorary academic titles, including:

• Honorary Professorship (Emeritus) – Alfred Nobel University, Ukraine (2019)

• Honorary Doctor of Laws – University of Ghana (1999)

Professional Achievements

• Founder of Kantanka Group (multi-sector conglomerate)

• Divisions: Automobile, Engineering & Construction, Media (Kantanka TV), Healthcare (Great KOSA Clinic), Agriculture, Finance, Security, Education, Herbal Pharma, etc.

• Founder of Kantanka Automobile (1994) – first Ghana-made car (1998)

He built:

• Onantefo I (2006) & Onantefo II (2007) SUVs

• Obrempon Limousine (2007) – 26-foot stretch car

• Locally-made engine (1998) with 75% Ghanaian parts

Other inventions:

• Voice-controlled TVs & doors

• Solar-powered appliances & electric car

• Musical instruments (guitars, drums, amps)

• Light helicopter (KTK O2)

• Established Kantanka Auto Plant in Gomoa Mpota (capacity ~120 vehicles/month)

• Created hundreds of jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for Ghanaian youth

Religious Leadership

• Founder & Leader of Kristo Asafo (Christ Reformed) Church

• Received divine call in 1969, first church opened in 1971 (Accra)

• Church has 130+ branches in Ghana + congregations abroad (Togo, Europe, North America)

• Philosophy: Africans can achieve what the West does – technology as empowerment

• Annual Kantanka Tech & Agriculture Expo – showcases inventions & local produce

• Church engages in philanthropy: schools, farms, hospitals, orphanage support, prison outreach

Awards & Recognition

• Order of the Volta (2007) – one of Ghana’s highest honours

• Grand Medal (2000) – Ghanaian national award

• Millennium Excellence Award (2005)

• Innovative Pioneer Award (GUBA 2017, UK)

Honorary titles:

• Emeritus Professor of Engineering – Alfred Nobel University (2019)

• Honorary Doctor of Laws – University of Ghana (1999)

• Recognised as Africa’s “Best Scientist” (2014 Marcus Garvey Awards)

• Widely celebrated in Ghanaian press as a pioneer of local technology

Legacy & Impact

• Pioneer of Made-in-Ghana automobiles and electronics

• Trained and inspired thousands of apprentices and young innovators

• Created jobs in engineering, construction, agriculture, and healthcare

• Annual Tech Expo has become a hub for innovation & youth inspiration

• Symbol of Ghanaian self-reliance & technological independence

• Embodiment of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of African industrialisation

• Blended faith, science, and social development into one mission



VPO/MA

GhanaWeb's latest documentary, Sex for Fish, that explores the plights of teenage girls in coastal communities, all in an attempt to survive, is out. Watch it below: