By Daniel Bampoe
Former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has attracted widespread public admiration following the successful funeral and burial ceremonies of her late father, Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, with many mourners and social media users praising her resilience, composure and leadership throughout the emotionally charged occasion.
The final funeral rites, held at Gomoa Mpota in the Central Region and later at the Black Star Square in Accra, drew thousands of mourners, traditional rulers, politicians, clergy, business leaders and members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, who assembled to pay their last respects to one of the most celebrated inventors, industrialists and religious leaders.
The successful funeral brought to a close months of uncertainty and public controversy that had surrounded the burial arrangements of the founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Group of Companies.
Family Dispute
The funeral was held after an intense family disagreement over the late Apostle’s burial arrangements dominated national headlines.
In the weeks leading to the funeral, differing positions emerged within the family over the implementation of Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s last will and testament, the custody of his mortal remains and the authority to organise the burial.
The dispute resulted in legal proceedings, public exchanges and conflicting announcements over whether the funeral should proceed.
Despite those disagreements, the funeral ceremonies eventually took place, allowing family members, church faithful and admirers from across Ghana and beyond to celebrate the extraordinary life and achievements of Apostle Kwadwo Safo.
Adwoa Safo Takes Centre Stage
Throughout the funeral activities, Sarah Adwoa Safo remained at the forefront of the ceremonies, welcoming mourners and receiving dignitaries who attended to honour her late father.
Videos circulating on television, online news platforms and social media showed the former legislator actively participating in the burial service and final funeral rites, interacting warmly with family members, church members and sympathisers.
Many observers noted her calm demeanour despite the emotional weight of the occasion and the controversies that had preceded the funeral.
Several moments from the funeral quickly went viral, particularly footage showing her joining mourners in songs and dance celebrating the life and legacy of her father.
For many attendees, the atmosphere reflected Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s lifelong belief that death should not only be mourned but that an impactful life should also be celebrated.
Public Reaction
The funeral generated significant discussion across social media, where numerous users commended Adwoa Safo for her composure during one of the most difficult moments of her life.
Many described her as strong and resilient, while others praised the manner in which she coordinated and participated in the final farewell.
Some commenters also admired the dignified conduct displayed by members of the Safo family throughout the ceremonies despite the earlier public disagreements.
The widespread online reactions reflected the intense public interest that had surrounded every stage of Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s funeral arrangements
Granddaughter Draws Attention
Another highlight of the funeral was the appearance of Adwoa Safo’s first daughter, whose presence attracted widespread attention on social media.
Dressed in a simple red outfit complemented by a black mourning headscarf, the young woman was seen assisting family members and interacting with mourners during the funeral.
Videos and photographs of her appearance quickly circulated online, with many social media users commenting on her resemblance to her mother and commending her poise during the solemn occasion.
Her appearance added another emotional dimension to the family gathering as three generations of the Safo family came together to honour the late Apostle.
A Legacy Celebrated
Beyond the public attention surrounding the family, the funeral served as a celebration of the remarkable life of Apostle Prof. Emeritus Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka who died at the age of 113 years.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest inventors, he founded the Kristo Asafo Mission and built the Kantanka Group into one of the country’s leading indigenous industrial enterprises.
His work in automobile manufacturing, engineering, agriculture, technology and scientific innovation earned him recognition both within Ghana and internationally.
Tributes delivered during the funeral highlighted his lifelong commitment to faith, innovation, self-reliance and national development.
Many speakers described him as a visionary whose contributions would continue to inspire future generations.
Controversies Continue
Although the funeral has been concluded, public discussion surrounding some aspects of the ceremonies has continued.
Comments by family secretary Dr. Phillip Siaw Kissi questioning elements of the funeral organisation, including his allegation that an official tribute may have been generated using artificial intelligence, have generated further public debate.
He also raised concerns about what he described as typographical errors on some funeral materials.
These claims have circulated publicly, but no independent verification has been provided to substantiate them.
A Farewell to a National Icon
Despite the controversies that preceded and followed the funeral, the final rites marked the conclusion of the earthly journey of Apostle Kwadwo Safo, whose influence on religion, science, engineering and indigenous industrialisation transformed him into one of the most respected national figures.
