The Safo family and Kristo Asafo Church have confirmed that Apostle Safo passed away on September 11
The late Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo ‘Kantanka’ was a Ghanaian entrepreneur, inventor, and pastor, born on August 26, 1948, in Bekwai, Ashanti Region.
He was the founder of Kantanka Automobile, a Ghana-based automotive company, and the Kristo Asafo Mission, a religious and industrial organisation.
“Kantanka” was renowned for his significant contributions to manufacturing and technological innovation in Ghana, particularly through vehicles like the Omama SUV and Onantefo pickup truck, designed for African markets.
From a young age, Kantanka had a passion for science and technology. After completing basic education, he attended the Ghana Technical Works Institute in Kumasi, where he studied engineering, and later worked as a welder at the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) and other firms.
BREAKING: Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo ‘Kantanka’ is dead
In 1969, he founded the Kristo Asafo Mission, initially as a prayer group. By 1971, it had become an African-initiated church that later expanded into manufacturing electronics, agricultural tools, and automobiles. The mission promotes the renewal and development of Africa and teaches that the Holy Spirit dwells within all humans.
In 1994, Kantanka established Kantanka Automobile to produce vehicles suited for African conditions. Manufacturing began in 1998 with locally sourced components for models like the Omama SUV and Onantefo pickup truck.
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.
Kwadwo Safo Kantanka passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025. His death was confirmed in a statement issued by his daughter, Sarah Adwoa Safo, former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya.
JHM/MA
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