BY NAIDIA NTIAMOAH
A towering golden statue of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka has been unveiled at his reported burial site at Gomoa Mpota in the Central Region, marking the first anniversary of the celebrated Ghanaian inventor, industrialist and religious leader’s death.
The imposing monument was unveiled as family members, friends, sympathisers and members of the Kristo Asafo Mission gathered at the site to remember the life and legacy of the man who became one of Ghana’s most recognisable advocates for local manufacturing and technological innovation.
The newly mounted statue, which stands prominently in front of the museum built in honour of the late Apostle, has quickly emerged as a major feature of the burial grounds.
Images and video footage shared by Khoded Media showed the monument positioned on a tall black platform, giving it a commanding presence at the site.
The statue was designed to portray Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka in traditional Ghanaian attire, with his right hand raised while his left hand holds part of the beautifully crafted cloth wrapped around him.
Its striking golden appearance, towering height and carefully recreated facial features make the monument one of the most noticeable structures at the site.
The gesture captured in the statue also reflects the public image associated with the late industrialist and religious leader, whose work over several decades extended across religion, manufacturing, technology and entrepreneurship.
The unveiling comes one year after the death of Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, whose contribution to Ghana’s industrial and religious landscape continues to attract attention.
He was widely known for championing the idea that Ghanaians could develop their own technological solutions and manufacture products locally rather than depending heavily on imported goods.
Through the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Group, he built institutions and businesses that promoted his vision of African self-reliance.
His work in vehicle manufacturing, engineering and other technological ventures made him a prominent figure in Ghana’s efforts to promote local production.
Beyond his industrial activities, Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka was also the founder and spiritual leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission, through which he combined his religious teachings with his broader philosophy of discipline, hard work, innovation and national development.
The first-anniversary commemoration brought together relatives, members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, friends and sympathisers who gathered at the burial site to pay tribute to the late Apostle.
The occasion provided an opportunity for those who knew and admired him to reflect on his contribution to Ghana and the ideals he promoted throughout his lifetime.
The golden statue now stands as a permanent physical reminder of those contributions.
Its location in front of the museum is particularly significant, as the facility is associated with preserving and showcasing aspects of the late Apostle’s work and achievements.
The monument is expected to become an important landmark for visitors and members of the Kristo Asafo Mission who travel to Gomoa Mpota to pay their respects.
The anniversary commemoration also comes against the backdrop of intense controversy that surrounded the late Apostle’s funeral and burial arrangements.
His death and subsequent funeral were followed by disagreements within the family over aspects of the funeral arrangements, custody of his remains and questions surrounding the implementation of his wishes and succession within the Kristo Asafo Mission.
The disagreements attracted considerable public attention and at various points resulted in legal and public disputes involving family members.
Despite the controversy surrounding his final funeral arrangements, the anniversary gathering has shifted attention back to Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka’s broader contribution and the legacy he left behind.
