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An innovator and heart surgeon, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has described the founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission, Apostle Kwadwo Safo as a brilliant inventor who thought outside the box due to his non-traditional academic background.
The former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation said Apostle Safo's imaginative nature allowed him to conceptualise and create innovative technologies, such as vehicles and machines, without being limited by conventional thinking.
“He was a brilliant person. I've known him for some time. I've visited him in his room before and he has invited me several times to his workshop,” Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, the first African to perform a heart transplant, said in a tribute to the memory of the inventor who passed away last Thursday.
However, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng said the country’s weak science and technology infrastructure made it difficult for innovators such as Apostle Safo to access necessary resources and expertise.
“Due to the weak science and technology infrastructure, the country could not help Apostle Kwadwo. A lot of things that he did, he had to import the components from outside and put them together in Ghana,” he said.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng was paying tribute to Apostle Safo, following the announcement of his death.
The late Apostle Safo, also the founder off the Kantanka Group, pioneered innovations in automobile manufacturing, agro-processing and alternative energy.
Nicknamed "The Star of Africa", he was also the founder of the Great KOSA network of companies and the Chairman of the Kantanka Group of Companies.
Born on August 26, 1948, he passed on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at age 77.
His daughter, Sarah Adwoa Safo, former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya and former Minister of Gender, made the announcement in a statement issued last Sunday.
Forrmer Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is among those who have paid glowing tribute to the late Apostle Safo, highlighting his pioneering work in indigenous innovations and inspiring an industrial spirit in Ghanaians.
Dr Bawumia stated that Apostle Safo's dedication to improving the lives of the less privileged through numerous philanthropic endeavours was remarkable.
"Apostle Kwadwo Safo served Ghana beyond the capacity of a religious leader. As a religious leader, his open arms received me anytime I called on him. I departed his presence with lasting words of encouragement and wisdom.
"On behalf of my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Kristo Asafo Mission, and all who mourn this irreparable loss.”
"May his legacy continue to endure and inspire future generations to believe in our domestic solutions, serve their communities, and put Ghana first," Dr Bawumia said in his social media handles,” he said.
The family have appointed a respected Soil Scientist and former Deputy General Secretary of the Kristo Asafo Mission, Dr Emmanuel Boakye, as the official spokesperson during this period of mourning
The public has thus been advised to channel all official communications, as well as matters relating to protocol arrangements and clarifications regarding the Apostle’s passing through Dr Boakye, who served as the personal aide to the Apostle until his passing.
