Kwadwo Safo Jnr Speaks on Affordable Kantanka Cars, Mentions GH₵45k Model
- Kwadwo Safo Jnr explained that Kantanka once developed a compact car aimed at making locally built vehicles accessible to ordinary Ghanaians
- He noted that the idea came after the company was advised to focus on smaller cars, so the average person in Ghana could realistically own one
- Safo Jnr also addressed the widespread assumption that locally-made cars should be cheap despite the cost of parts used in the production
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The conversation around locally manufactured vehicles in Ghana resurfaced after Kwadwo Safo Jnr, son of the renowned inventor Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, opened up about the journey of Kantanka Automobile during an interview on the Konnected Mindset podcast.
Source: UGC
Speaking on the podcast, the Kantanka Automobile executive shared insights into how the company tries to make its vehicles accessible to ordinary Ghanaians while navigating the realities of manufacturing costs.
According to him, one of the company’s most affordable models once started at around GH₵45,000 when it was first introduced.
Kwadwo Safo mentions the Kantanka Amoanimaa
The model, known as the Kantanka Amoanimaa, was part of the brand’s effort to produce smaller vehicles that the average Ghanaian could realistically purchase.
Safo Jnr explained that when the company began producing vehicles, there were strong suggestions that they should focus on smaller, simple models rather than large luxury cars.
He noted that the idea was to create vehicles that could serve the everyday Ghanaian driver.
“When we started, people advised that we should build small cars so the average person could afford them,” he said during the discussion.
Following that advice, the company developed the Amoanimaa model, which was introduced at a starting price of about GH₵45,000.
However, he pointed out that due to changes in the economy and fluctuations in exchange rates over the years, the estimated price of the same model today would likely fall between GH₵55,000 and GH₵60,000.
Despite the increase, Safo Jnr still believes the vehicle remains relatively affordable compared to many options on the market.
During the interview, he also addressed a perception he believes often affects locally manufactured products.
Watch the YouTube video below:
Kwadwo Safo justifies Kantanka car prices
According to him, some Ghanaian buyers expect Kantanka vehicles to be extremely cheap simply because they are made locally, despite the costs involved.
He said many of the components used in vehicle manufacturing are imported, and those parts are expensive, especially when exchange rates fluctuate.
Because of that, the final price of a brand-new locally assembled vehicle cannot always compete with the price of some imported used cars, which many buyers in Ghana are accustomed to purchasing.
Safo Jnr also highlighted the difference between buying a brand-new car and purchasing a used imported vehicle.
While second-hand cars may sometimes appear cheaper upfront, he suggested that a brand new Kantanka vehicle offers buyers the reliability and freshness that comes with owning a newly built car.
The discussion offered rare insight into the challenges and realities of building an automobile brand in Ghana while trying to balance affordability with production costs.
Source: UGC
Kantanka introduces vehicle designed for Ghana's roads
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that a staff member had introduced the new Kantanka K71 Pro in a presentation video shared by Kwadwo Safo Studios on social media.
She said that the car had been designed for Ghanaian roads, promising strong performance on highways and rough roads, with fuel efficiency and transmission highlighted.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
