BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The family of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo has unveiled specially designed funeral cloths to be worn during the final funeral rites of the renowned industrialist, inventor and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission, as preparations intensify for one of the most anticipated funerals in Ghana this year.
The unveiling ceremony, held during a media briefing in Accra on Friday, May 29, 2026, marked another significant step in the elaborate arrangements being put in place to honour the life and legacy of a man widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest indigenous innovators.
Family members, representatives of the Kristo Asafo Mission, members of the Funeral Planning Committee and close associates gathered to officially introduce two commemorative cloth designs that will serve as the approved attire for the funeral ceremonies.
The first cloth, designed in black and red and bearing the image of the late Apostle, has been designated for the burial service and national funeral rites.
A second cloth, designed in black and white, will be worn during the thanksgiving service to symbolize both mourning and celebration of a life well lived.
Addressing the media on behalf of the family, former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament and daughter of the deceased, Sarah Adwoa Safo, appealed to members of the public, sympathisers and followers of the Kristo Asafo Mission to strictly adhere to the approved dress code.
According to her, a coordinated appearance by mourners would help ensure dignity, orderliness and a befitting farewell for a man whose contributions transformed lives across Ghana and beyond.
“We want the events to be orderly and colourful. If everyone follows the directive, it will reflect the honour and respect our father deserves,” she stated.
The unveiling of the funeral cloths comes weeks after initial announcements regarding the funeral date generated discussions among followers of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the general public.
Earlier reports had indicated that Apostle Safo’s final funeral rites would be held on June 25, 2026. However, the family has since revised the schedule after extensive consultations with relatives living both in Ghana and abroad.
Explaining the decision, Sarah Adwoa Safo said many family members requested additional time to adequately prepare and travel to Ghana to participate in the historic farewell.
“Having consulted all our family members across the world and their preparations to come and honour their beloved son, father and uncle, they indicated that the time was too short for them to plan and come and pay their last respects. Therefore, we needed to fix a date that will be good to accommodate all,” she explained.
The family has consequently announced July 30, 2026, as the official date for the burial service, which will take place at Gomoa Mpota in the Central Region.
The burial will be followed by a grand national farewell ceremony on July 31, 2026, at the Independence Square in Accra, where thousands of mourners, dignitaries, government officials, traditional rulers, clergy, business leaders and members of the public are expected to gather to celebrate the life of the late inventor.
The final phase of the funeral programme will take place on August 8, 2026, with a thanksgiving service in Kumasi, where mourners will wear the black-and-white funeral cloth.
Sarah Adwoa Safo disclosed that the revised funeral dates received the approval of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II following consultations with the Manhyia Palace.
“These dates have been sanctioned by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II after consultations with Manhyia Palace,” she noted.
The family further extended invitations to religious leaders, traditional authorities, persons living with disabilities, beneficiaries of Apostle Safo’s philanthropic works and members of the general public to participate in the ceremonies.
For decades, Apostle Kwadwo Safo stood as a symbol of innovation, self-reliance and African ingenuity. Through the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Group, he championed indigenous industrialisation, technological advancement and local manufacturing, inspiring generations of entrepreneurs and inventors across the continent.
His establishment of the Kantanka Automobile Company became one of the most notable examples of homegrown industrial success, while his contributions to agriculture, engineering, education and social welfare earned him admiration both locally and internationally.
Apostle Kwadwo Safo passed away on September 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that transcends religion, business and technology.
