Nana Kwadwo Safo Jnr, widely known as Akofena, is a distinguished Ghanaian entrepreneur. He was born in 1986 to Apostle Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, a renowned technologist, philanthropist, and Pastor. Kwadwo Safo Jnr, as the Chief Executive Officer of Kantanka Automobile and the leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, embodies a rare blend of business acumen and spiritual responsibility.
His upbringing was deeply rooted in a personalized educational system, as he was home-tutored alongside his sister, Sarah Adwoa Safo, who later pursued a political career. Despite his early aspirations to join the military and rise to the rank of a general, his father had different plans for him, guiding him toward the family business instead.
Kwadwo Safo Jnr initially pursued an interest in aviation and trained as a pilot. However, his academic journey ultimately led him to the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), where he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA). This equipped him with the necessary expertise to manage and expand the Kantanka Group.
Before taking the reins as CEO in 2016, Kwadwo Safo Jnr spent a decade working closely with his father at the Kantanka Group, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Kantanka Automobile, a subsidiary of the Kantanka Group was founded in 1994. It is Ghana’s pioneering indigenous car manufacturing company, known for designing, manufacturing, and assembling vehicles tailored to the African market. The company’s first complete built unit (CBU) was produced in 1998, using over 75% local components, including the engine block.
Under Kwadwo Safo Jnr’s leadership, the company has focused on technological innovation and local talent development. A defining moment of his tenure came in 2020 when Kantanka launched the Akofena luxury sports car at the 40th Technology Exhibition of the Apostle Safo School of Art and Science. The car was assembled by a team of young engineers under the age of 31, highlighting his dedication to empowering the next generation of Ghanaian innovators.
Kantanka Automobile offers a range of vehicles. In 2006, he launched the Onantefo SUV, designed for tough African terrains. Mass production began in 2016, with a showroom opening in 2018, expanding its reach across West Africa. The Onantefo SUV is equipped with a robust double wishbone suspension system and heavy-duty swing arms for off-road performance. Its aerodynamic design, highlighted by a sleek, sculpted body, reduces wind drag while maintaining a dynamic profile and improving fuel efficiency.
The Kantanka Amoanimaa, a crossover sedan from Kantanka Automobile, offers luxurious comfort with a climate control system, designed for urban elegance and tailored to Ghana’s warm climate. Another in the Kantanka line-up is the K71. It is a high-performance car with features like a rear camera view, front-driver airbag, anti-lock braking system, and a 1.5 cc engine. Other models include the Kantanka Mensah, Omama Luxury 17 AT, and Omama S. Luxury AT.
The Kantanka Omama Luxury 17 AT and Omama S. Luxury AT are high-end variants of Kantanka’s Omama pickup truck, designed for those seeking a blend of luxury, comfort, and style. Both models are powered by a 2.5-liter turbo diesel engine, delivering 136 horsepower and 240 nm of torque, ensuring robust performance. The automatic transmission enhances driving ease, making them suitable for both urban and off-road adventures.
Kantanka has also ventured into military vehicles, such as the Kantanka-ABV (Armored Bullion Vehicle), based on the Onantefo, featuring bullet-proof glass and armor plating for police use. Additionally, Kantanka has explored electric car production, with plans announced in 2018 and 2019 to commercialize electric models by the end of those years, potentially powered by lithium batteries for intercity travel. However, no mass production of electric cars has been confirmed.
Kwadwo Safo Jnr’s vision is to position Kantanka as the automobile giant of Africa, fostering self-sufficiency through local manufacturing. However, challenges include skepticism about quality, with some doubting full local production, suggesting assembly from imported parts. Despite this, the company’s growth, with sales reaching 300 units in the first half of 2018 and increasing market acceptance, demonstrates resilience. The Ghanaian government’s 10-year tax holiday announced in 2019 aims to support such local manufacturers, potentially boosting Kantanka’s expansion.
Beyond the corporate world, Kwadwo Safo Jnr also leads the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, a role deeply intertwined with his father’s legacy. His mother, Akosua Safo shared an intriguing prophecy made by Apostle Safo before his birth, predicting that he would inherit both the business and spiritual leadership, and even surpass his father in some aspects. This prophecy, now realized, adds a profound spiritual dimension to his story.
His leadership at Kristo Asafo Mission continues to blend faith with innovation, encouraging self-reliance and technological advancement among members. He embraces both the material and spiritual aspects of leadership, seeing them as complementary forces in national development. Kwadwo Safo Jnr hosts a podcast, Crossroads in Life by Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, where he shares insights on life, leadership, and family responsibilities.
His story is one of inherited legacy, personal reinvention, and unwavering dedication to national progress. As he continues to push the boundaries of local innovation and spiritual leadership, his impact on Ghana’s automotive industry and religious community is set to endure into the future.