By Issah Olegor
The government has pledged its full support for the final funeral rites of Apostle Kwadwo Safo, founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission, as preparations gather momentum for a nationwide farewell to one of the most influential inventors, industrial pioneers, and spiritual leaders.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the Safo family at the Presidency on Friday, May 29, 2026, during a courtesy call to formally brief government on arrangements for the late Apostle’s burial and funeral ceremonies.
Paying glowing tribute to the renowned inventor and philanthropist, Debrah described Apostle Safo as a visionary leader whose life was dedicated to improving the lives of others through innovation, entrepreneurship, faith, and community service.
According to the Chief of Staff, Apostle Safo belonged to a rare generation of leaders who devoted their resources, knowledge, and energy to creating opportunities for others rather than pursuing personal comfort and wealth.
“He was prepared to spend and be spent for humanity. He sacrificed comfort, wealth, and strength to build a society where people could live with dignity, hope, and opportunity.
His life was a shining example of selfless service and visionary leadership,” Debrah stated.
The tribute comes against the backdrop of widespread national recognition of Apostle Safo’s contributions to the industrialization drive.
Over several decades, the Kristo Asafo founder became known for establishing indigenous manufacturing industries, pioneering technological innovations, promoting local entrepreneurship, and advancing agricultural development.
Beyond his role as a spiritual leader, Apostle Safo built one of the most recognizable industrial brands through the Kantanka Group, producing vehicles, machinery, and technological products that challenged perceptions about Africa’s manufacturing capabilities.
Debrah also shared personal memories of his interactions with the late Apostle, recalling how the Kristo Asafo leader fostered social cohesion through community gatherings at Taifa.
He recounted how Apostle Safo regularly organized evening recreational events where residents from different backgrounds gathered to socialize while he personally entertained them with musical performances.
According to him, the late inventor believed strongly that communities needed not only economic development but also opportunities for relaxation, friendship, and unity.
The Chief of Staff further narrated an experience from his years in the tourism sector when Apostle Safo came to his assistance by providing transportation for a group of international visitors at short notice.
“Without hesitation, it was the Great Imperial Transport Service owned by Apostle Safo that provided the bus. That generosity and willingness to help defined who he was,” Debrah recalled.
He noted that Apostle Safo’s influence extended far beyond his immediate family, church congregation, and traditional community, touching lives across every region of Ghana and earning him admiration both locally and internationally.
For that reason, he said calls for a state-supported funeral that reflects the late Apostle’s national significance were fully justified.
Debrah assured the family that government would collaborate with stakeholders to ensure a befitting funeral worthy of a man whose contributions have become an integral part of the industrial, technological, agricultural, and spiritual history.
The delegation was led by the Head of the Safo Family and former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, who briefed the Presidency on the extensive consultations undertaken since Apostle Safo’s passing on September 11, 2025.
According to her, the family engaged traditional authorities, church leadership, relatives, and key stakeholders over several months before arriving at a consensus on the funeral arrangements.
She disclosed that the process benefited significantly from the guidance and counsel of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whose involvement helped facilitate agreement on the final schedule for the funeral rites.
Ms. Safo announced that the traditional burial rites, known as “Doteyie,” will take place on July 30, 2026, at Gomoa Mpota in the Central Region, where a specially constructed mausoleum and monumental edifice have been built as the final resting place of the Kristo Asafo founder.
The main funeral service is scheduled for July 31, 2026, at the Independence Square in Accra and is expected to attract thousands of mourners, including political leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, diplomats, business executives, and admirers from around the world.
The final phase of the funeral observances will be held on August 8, 2026, with a thanksgiving service in Kumasi, bringing to a close what is expected to be one of the largest state-supported funeral events in recent years.
Apostle Emeritus Professor Ing. Kwadwo Safo is widely regarded as one of the most influential innovators and entrepreneurs. His legacy spans manufacturing, engineering, transportation, agriculture, education, and religion, making him one of the country’s most celebrated indigenous industrialists.
