BY GRACE ZIGAH
A vibrant rainbow stretching across the skies of Kumasi became the defining moment of the national thanksgiving and farewell service for the late Apostle Prof. Emeritus Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka on Saturday, as thousands of mourners, church members and political leaders gathered to celebrate the life of one of Ghana’s greatest inventors, industrialists and religious figures.
For members of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, the appearance of the rainbow was far more than a natural phenomenon.
Many regarded it as a symbolic farewell from their spiritual leader, who famously declared during his lifetime, “I am the rainbow.”
The colourful display transformed an already emotional gathering into a moment of jubilation, with worshippers singing, dancing, praying and shedding tears as they interpreted it as a sign of the late Apostle’s enduring spiritual presence.
The thanksgiving service, held at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi, marked the climax of the final funeral rites of the renowned founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Group of Companies.
The event brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, clergy, business executives and thousands of followers to celebrate a man widely credited with advancing indigenous automobile manufacturing, engineering, agriculture and technological innovation in Ghana.
Bawumia Leads National Tribute
Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, led a high-powered delegation of politicians and dignitaries to the ceremony.
He was accompanied by several senior figures of the New Patriotic Party, former ministers, Members of Parliament and prominent personalities who joined the bereaved family in paying their last respects.
Dr. Bawumia described Apostle Kwadwo Safo as a visionary Ghanaian whose contributions extended beyond religion into science, innovation and industrialisation.
According to him, the late Apostle demonstrated that Africans possess the capacity to manufacture world-class products and build globally competitive industries through innovation and determination.
He also paid tribute to Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s philanthropic work, educational initiatives and unwavering commitment to empowering young Ghanaians through science, technology and entrepreneurship.
Adwoa Safo Receives Dignitaries
Former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, together with members of the bereaved family, welcomed Dr. Bawumia and the other dignitaries to the thanksgiving service.
She remained at the centre of the ceremony, interacting with political leaders, church members and sympathisers who travelled from different parts of Ghana to honour her late father.
The thanksgiving service marked the final phase of the funeral activities organised in memory of Apostle Kwadwo Safo after weeks of ceremonies celebrating his extraordinary life and achievements.
Rainbow Sparks Emotional Celebration
The atmosphere at the Prempeh Assembly Hall became even more emotional when a spectacular rainbow suddenly appeared over Kumasi during the service.
Immediately, loud cheers echoed across the venue as members of the Kristo Asafo Mission broke into spontaneous songs of praise and worship.
Many worshippers lifted their hands towards the sky, while others knelt in prayer, believing the rainbow represented a divine confirmation that Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s spirit was at peace.
Sarah Adwoa Safo and some of her siblings joined church members in celebrating the moment, dancing and praising God as the congregation watched the colourful display.
For followers of the Kristo Asafo Mission, the rainbow holds profound spiritual significance because Apostle Kwadwo Safo repeatedly referred to himself during his lifetime as “the Rainbow.”
Many attendees also recalled that similar atmospheric phenomena had occurred during his one-week observation and 40-day memorial rites, strengthening their belief that the rainbow’s appearance held deep spiritual meaning.
Others, however, viewed it simply as a remarkable natural occurrence that coincided with the thanksgiving service.
Thanksgiving Follows Weeks of Family Disagreement
Saturday’s celebration came against the backdrop of weeks of public disagreement within the Kantanka Family over Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s funeral arrangements.
The dispute centred on the implementation of his Last Will and Testament, custody of his mortal remains, succession to aspects of his estate and authority over the funeral programme.
The disagreement became public after Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, Head of the Kantanka Family and disputed Leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, announced that the funeral initially scheduled for July 30 and 31 had been suspended.
He explained that repeated attempts by church elders, traditional authorities and family members to reconcile the parties had failed, leaving the family with no option but to seek judicial interpretation of the late Apostle’s will.
Lawyers were subsequently instructed to initiate legal proceedings to determine who possessed lawful authority to organise the burial and implement the directives contained in Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s testament.
GH¢3.7m Funeral Expenditure Claim
The family disagreement intensified after reports emerged that Sarah Adwoa Safo had personally spent approximately GH¢3.7 million towards preparations for her father’s funeral.
According to reports attributed to communications from her legal representatives, the expenditure covered morgue fees and other funeral-related logistical arrangements undertaken ahead of the planned burial.
The reports further indicated that she remained willing to cooperate with the wider family while requesting reimbursement of the amount she said she had personally invested.
However, members of the wider Kantanka Family rejected the reported reimbursement request, arguing that funeral arrangements should strictly follow the provisions of Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s will and recognised customary authority.
Family representatives also alleged that disagreements over documentation relating to the deceased’s remains complicated preparations for the burial.
Those allegations formed part of the broader family dispute that attracted legal attention before the final thanksgiving service.
Celebrating an Extraordinary Legacy
Despite the controversies that preceded the funeral, the thanksgiving service ultimately refocused national attention on Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s remarkable achievements.
From humble beginnings, he built one of Africa’s most recognised indigenous manufacturing brands through Kantanka Automobile while pioneering innovations in engineering, electronics, agriculture and alternative technology.
His vision inspired generations of young Africans to believe that local innovation could drive industrial transformation and national development.
Beyond industry, Apostle Kwadwo Safo established the Kristo Asafo Mission into a global religious movement that combined faith, education, scientific research, entrepreneurship and community development.
His teachings promoted discipline, hard work, creativity, self-reliance and patriotism—principles that continue to shape the philosophy of the church and its institutions.
