Kwadwo Safo Kantanka was born on 26 August 1948 in Bom, near Kensere, in the Bekwai area of Ghana’s Ashanti Region.

He displayed a keen interest in science, engineering, and creative invention from an early age. Kwadwo studied at the Ghana Technical Institute in Kumasi before working as a welder at VALCO and several other companies.

He was ordained as an Apostle in the Christ Reformed Church. Later, he would go on to establish his own ministry, the Kristo Asafo Mission, combining his spiritual mission with a passion for science, technology, and social impact.

Kantanka began building machines and experimenting with technology in Ghana. Among his early works were simple machines, agricultural tools, and audio systems. He aimed to show that African ingenuity could match and even rival imports.

The Kantanka Automobile Company was officially founded, marking a significant moment in Ghana's industrial history. The company focused on designing and manufacturing cars with substantial local input, challenging the dominance of imported vehicles.

He unveiled his prototypes of locally made vehicles, including saloon cars, 4x4s, and special-purpose vehicles. This made him one of the first African entrepreneurs to venture into large-scale automobile manufacturing, inspiring national pride.

Kantanka’s innovations extended beyond cars. He created humanoid robots, exoskeleton machines, and armoured vehicles, some of which were displayed at the Kristo Asafo Mission’s annual technology exhibitions. These displays amazed audiences and showcased African ability in advanced technology.

In the 2010s, Safo received recognition for his innovations in vehicles, military hardware, home appliances, and robotics at the annual Kristo Asafo Technology Exhibitions. His contributions to Ghana’s industrial development were acknowledged by government officials and business leaders.

In 2015, Kantanka Automobile commenced the commercial production and sale of its vehicles in Ghana. This was a significant milestone, demonstrating that local manufacturing could compete with global brands. The cars became symbols of African pride and innovation.

Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, known as the "Star of Africa," is celebrated for his dedication to fostering African innovation, industrialisation, and self-reliance. His legacy lives on through the Kantanka Group and its annual technology exhibitions.