Bawumia hails Apostle Kwadwo Safo as Ghana’s symbol of innovation

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has paid glowing tribute to Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, describing him as a pioneering innovator, industrialist, and religious leader whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of Ghanaians.

In a heartfelt message posted on Facebook, Dr. Bawumia said he received with “deep sadness the news of the passing of Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, a pioneering Ghanaian innovator, and the founder and leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission.”

He praised Apostle Safo as a man who went far beyond the pulpit in service to the country. “Apostle Safo served Ghana beyond the capacity of a religious leader. He pioneered indigenous innovations and forcefully inspired an industrial spirit amongst Ghanaians,” Bawumia noted.

The former Vice President also highlighted Safo’s compassion and generosity. “He was also dedicated to improving the lives of the less privileged in society, as witnessed in his celebrated numerous philanthropic endeavours,” he added.

On a personal note, Bawumia recalled how warmly he was always received by the revered preacher. “As a religious leader, his open arms received me. Anytime I called on him, I departed his presence with lasting words of encouragement and wisdom,” he wrote.

Dr. Bawumia extended condolences on behalf of his family: “On behalf of my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Kristo Asafo Mission, and all who mourn this irreparable loss. May his legacy continue to endure and inspire future generations to believe in our domestic solutions, serve their communities, and put Ghana first.”

Apostle Kwadwo Safo, affectionately called “Kantanka, the African Star,” passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, at age 77. Born in Bekwai in 1948, Safo rose from modest beginnings to become one of Ghana’s most celebrated figures in religion, technology and entrepreneurship.

He founded the Kristo Asafo Mission in 1969, a spiritual movement that evolved into a hub for African-centered industrial innovation, producing electronics, farm machinery and later automobiles. His establishment of Kantanka Automobile in 1994 cemented his reputation as a trailblazer in local manufacturing, with vehicles designed for African terrain and assembled in Ghana.

To many Ghanaians, his death marks the end of an era. But his enduring vision of self-reliance, technological independence and philanthropy continues to serve as a source of national pride.