The late Ghanaian inventor and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission, Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, reportedly stated in his will that he did not want to be given a state burial or state funeral after his death.
According to details from the document dated August 25, 2020, and prepared by lawyer Asamoah Amoako, the renowned industrialist made his wishes clear regarding how his funeral arrangements should be handled.
In the will, Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka wrote: “I direct that I shall not be given or accorded any state burial or state funeral.”
The document also contained specific instructions regarding the involvement of his maternal family members in his burial arrangements.
The late inventor stated that should he acquire a particular farm, no member of his maternal family should have control or authority over his remains or funeral arrangements.
“I direct that none of my maternal family members should have a say or control over my body, burial and funeral. They can only attend the funeral,” he stated.
However, he clarified that his maternal relatives would not be prevented from attending his funeral if they wished to do so.
The revelation has sparked discussions among Ghanaians, with many reflecting on the importance of respecting the final wishes of individuals as expressed in their wills.
Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, who passed away after decades of contributions to Ghana’s technological and industrial development, was widely celebrated for his work in engineering, invention and entrepreneurship.
Through the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka brand, he promoted local innovation and encouraged the development of Ghanaian-made technologies.
His decision to decline a state burial, despite his significant contributions to the country, has drawn attention to his personal values and the legacy he wished to leave behind.
