Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, a towering figure in Ghanaian innovation and industry, passed away on September 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that has deeply resonated throughout the nation. Ken Ohene Agyapong, a prominent businessman and aspiring flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed profound sadness at Kantanka’s demise, recognizing him as a true pioneer and visionary leader whose contributions to Ghana’s technological advancement were unparalleled. Agyapong lauded Kantanka as one of the greatest industrialists the country has ever produced, emphasizing his groundbreaking work and the profound impact he had on perceptions of Ghanaian ingenuity. The news of Kantanka’s passing struck Agyapong as a personal blow, underscoring the deep respect and admiration he held for the late inventor.
Kantanka’s unwavering dedication to innovation and his relentless pursuit of technological advancement, despite facing numerous challenges, served as a potent symbol of Ghanaian capability. Agyapong lamented the missed opportunities to fully support Kantanka’s endeavors and elevate his inventions to the global stage. He expressed a deep conviction that Kantanka’s work deserved greater national backing and strategic investment, which could have propelled his creations onto the world platform and showcased Ghanaian ingenuity to a wider audience. Agyapong believed that with the proper support, Kantanka’s inventions could have become globally recognized symbols of African innovation. This regret underscores the importance of recognizing and nurturing exceptional talent within the nation.
Despite the missed opportunities, Agyapong affirmed that Kantanka’s monumental legacy would continue to inspire future generations of Ghanaians. He highlighted Kantanka’s profound influence in dispelling doubts about the nation’s capacity for scientific and technological progress. Kantanka’s achievements demonstrated unequivocally that Ghanaians possess the talent, creativity, and determination to excel in these fields and contribute significantly to the country’s industrial growth and self-reliance. He shattered the narrative of technological dependence on other nations, proving that Ghana could indeed innovate and build a future based on its own capabilities.
Kantanka’s legacy serves as a testament to the power of self-belief and the potential for individual initiative to drive national development. Agyapong emphasized that Kantanka’s life work demonstrated that Ghanaians, with the right mindset and determination, could achieve anything they set their minds to. This message of self-reliance and the pursuit of excellence resonates deeply with Agyapong’s own entrepreneurial spirit and his vision for a prosperous Ghana. He believes that Kantanka’s example should inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and contribute to the nation’s advancement.
Agyapong underscored the significance of Kantanka’s legacy as a guiding light for future generations striving to propel Ghana’s industrialization forward. He saw in Kantanka’s work a roadmap for achieving prosperity through innovation, self-reliance, and a firm belief in the nation’s capabilities. Agyapong urged Ghanaians to embrace Kantanka’s revolutionary spirit and continue his pursuit of technological and industrial advancements, ensuring that his contributions pave the way for a brighter future for the country. He called for a renewed commitment to supporting and nurturing local talent, ensuring that future innovators receive the necessary resources and encouragement to realize their full potential.
In closing, Agyapong expressed his hope that Kantanka’s revolutionary spirit would continue to guide and inspire future generations. He envisioned a Ghana driven by innovation and self-reliance, a future shaped by the indomitable spirit of pioneers like Kantanka. Agyapong’s heartfelt tribute serves not only as a memorial to a remarkable individual but also as a call to action, urging Ghanaians to embrace the legacy of innovation and strive for a future defined by self-sufficiency and technological advancement. His final words, “Rest in eternal peace,” express not only mourning but also a deep respect and admiration for a man whose contributions have profoundly impacted Ghana and will continue to inspire for generations to come.
