Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo Kantanka founder of Kristo Asafo Mission
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.
VPO/MA
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