The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has called for the immortalisation of Apostle Emeritus Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Safo, describing the late industrialist and inventor as a national asset whose contributions to Ghana’s technological and industrial advancement will endure for generations.
According to the Speaker, the immense impact of the renowned innovator on Ghana’s development warrants the erection of a monumental edifice in his honour to inspire future generations and preserve his legacy for posterity.
“He has done so much for Ghana that a monumental structure must be erected in his memory so that generations yet unborn will appreciate the remarkable legacy he has left behind,” he stated.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin made the remarks when a delegation from the Apostle Kwadwo Safo family, led by the Family Head and former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo, paid a courtesy call on him in Parliament to officially brief him on the funeral arrangements for the late founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Group.
Addressing the delegation, the Speaker described Apostle Kwadwo Safo as a selfless patriot whose life was dedicated to serving humanity and uplifting others.
“Your father and my senior brother spent most of his life living for others.
The numerous acts of generosity he extended to countless Ghanaians and the time he invested in nurturing young people stand as testimony to the great things he accomplished during his lifetime,” he said.
Recounting his longstanding relationship with the late industrial icon, Mr. Bagbin disclosed that they first met during his tenure as Minority Leader in Parliament.
“He personally invited me to one of his national exhibitions, and from that day we became friends.
He was an unrepentant UP tradition adherent, while I am equally a leftist.
Despite our political differences, we maintained a strong friendship built on mutual respect,” he recalled.
The Speaker noted that one of the qualities he admired most about Apostle Kwadwo Safo was his unwavering commitment to principle.
“He had his own set of principles and would never compromise them regardless of the circumstances. Several efforts by the state to support his technological ventures could not materialise because the proposed pathways were inconsistent with the values and principles he stood for,” he observed.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin further commended the family for maintaining peace and unity throughout the succession and funeral planning process, saying their conduct reflected the counsel he had earlier offered them.
“I advised the family to remain united and ensure a peaceful transition, and from what I have seen today, they have adhered to that advice commendably,” he said.
As part of Parliament’s efforts to honour the memory of the late industrialist, the Speaker disclosed that he had instructed the Public Affairs Directorate and the Parliamentary Broadcasting Department to facilitate the airing of a documentary on the life and achievements of Apostle Kwadwo Safo on Parliament TV.
According to him, the documentary would provide an opportunity for Ghanaians, especially the younger generation, to appreciate the extraordinary contributions Apostle Kwadwo Safo made to Ghana’s technological advancement, industrialisation and human resource development.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin further assured the family that Parliament would formally commemorate the late inventor ahead of his burial.
He revealed that a statement eulogising Apostle Kwadwo Safo would be presented on the floor of Parliament and debated by Members of Parliament from both the Majority and Minority sides approximately a week before the funeral.
He noted that the parliamentary tribute would serve as a fitting recognition of a man whose innovations, philanthropy and commitment to national development profoundly impacted Ghana and its people.
Briefing the Speaker on the funeral arrangements, the Family Head, Hon. Adwoa Safo, explained that extensive consultations were necessary due to the large size of the Apostle’s family and the need to honour his final wishes.
She revealed that Apostle Kwadwo Safo had expressed a desire to be buried at his technology centre at Gomoa Mpota.
In fulfilment of that wish, the family constructed a mausoleum and memorial edifice at the site, which will serve as his final resting place.
Hon. Adwoa Safo announced that the funeral programme will commence on Thursday, July 30, with the burial service at Gomoa Mpota.
This will be followed by a National Funeral Service at the Independence Square in Accra on Friday, July 31, while the final thanksgiving service will be held in Kumasi on August 8.
Several senior officials of Parliament, including Members of Parliament from both the Majority and Minority caucuses, joined in paying tribute to the late statesman and industrialist.
Among them were the Clerk to Parliament, Rev. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, and the Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Kate Addo, who eulogised Apostle Kwadwo Safo for his immense contribution to national development, innovation and human empowerment.
Apostle Emeritus Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Safo passed away on February 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that transformed Ghana’s technological and industrial landscape and inspired generations of innovators across the country.
