Ghana’s renowned technological innovator, Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as “Kantanka,” has been confirmed dead. The announcement of his passing was made in a press release issued by the family on Sunday, September 14.

The late philanthropist died at the age of seventy-seven (77) years. The agriculturist and industrialist was the biological father of New Patriotic Party (NPP) member Sarah Adwoa Safo, the former Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya Constituency.

In the press release signed by Adwoa Safo, the family disclosed that Apostle Safo died peacefully on Thursday, September 11.

“With profound sorrow and deepest grief, the Safo Family and the Kristo Asafo Church announce the peaceful passing of Ghana’s beloved man of God, the greatest technological icon, philanthropist, agriculturist, and industrialist popularly referred to as ‘Kantanka, the African Star.’

"Our dearest Father passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Romans 14:8 states: ‘For if we live, we live to the Lord and if we die, we die to the Lord,’” a portion of the statement read.

Apostle Kantanka was described as a “gallant son,” a true genius, a beacon of hope for many, and a father to the fatherless. According to the family, “Ghana has indeed lost a gallant son and a true legend.”

In the meantime, the family has noted that details of the late Apostle Kantanka’s burial will be announced in due course, while requesting privacy as they mourn their loss.

Born on August 26, 1948, in Bom (near Kensere) in the Ashanti Region, Apostle Prof. Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka was a revered man of God. His parents were Opanin Yaw Safo and Obaapanin Yaa Amoanimaa. He died at the age of 77.

His son, Kwadwo Safo Kantanka Jr., is the CEO of Kantanka Group, a pilot, and an entrepreneur. His daughter, Sarah Adwoa Safo, is a politician, lawyer, and former MP and Gender Minister. His other children include Joche Safo (lawyer), Monarch Safo, among others.

Apostle Kantanka gained recognition as a practical, self-taught innovator in electronics and mechanics. He studied engineering at the Ghana Technical Works Institute, now the Kumasi Technical University. At VALCO and West African Metals, he trained as a welder for three years. He also received honorary academic titles, including an Honorary Professorship (Emeritus) from Alfred Nobel University, Ukraine, in 2019, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Ghana in 1999.

He went on to establish Ghana’s largest indigenous technology conglomerate, spanning automotive manufacturing, electronics, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. In 1994, he founded a Ghanaian-based automotive company that designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells luxury cars. The company produces vehicles tailored to African conditions, such as the Onantefo and pickups like the Omama. Some of his vehicles feature voice-activated systems and remote ignition.

Beyond automobiles, he built impressive futuristic machines, many of which were exhibited at the Apostle Safo Technology Research Centre in Gomoa Mpota. He also established a religious movement, Kristo Asafo, an independent church, which began as a prayer group in 1969 and was transformed into a Church on 3rd February 1971.

The church is a member of the Sabbath Association of Ghana. Within the church, both members and non-members have acquired diverse skills across different professions and trades, including carpentry, welding, and mechanics.

See the full statement from his family below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE PASSING OF APOSTLE DR. KWADWO SAFO

With profound sorrow and deepest grief, the Safo Family and the Kristo Asafo Church announces the peaceful passing of Ghana’s beloved man of God, the greatest technological icon, philanthropist, agriculturalist and industrialist popularly referred to as “Kantanka, the African Star”.

Our dearest Father passed away peacefully on Thursday 11th September, 2025.

Romans 14:8 states; “For if we live, we live to the Lord and if we die, we die to the Lord”.

Apostle Safo was a true genius, the beacon of hope for many, a father to the fatherless. Ghana has indeed lost a galant son and a true legend.

His unique persona was shaped by his life struggles, dreams, resilience, courage, determination and dedication to His calling and conviction.

During this time of grief, we humbly request that the general public respects the privacy of the family and loved ones.

The burial and funeral arrangements shall be duly communicated in the coming days

Signed

Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo (Esq)