The Kessben Group of Companies has confirmed the death of its founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lawyer Stephen Boateng, popularly known as Kwabena Kesse or Kessben.
The confirmation, issued in a statement dated Thursday, August 20, 2026, came after reports of his death circulated widely earlier in the day.
According to the company, Kessben died on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in Kumasi after a short illness.
His death brings to an end the life and career of one of the Ashanti Region’s best-known businessmen, whose interests stretched across media, transport, hospitality, education, insurance and other sectors.
The Kessben Group said its operations include Kessben Media, Kessben Travel and Tours Limited, Fosuah Hotel Limited, Kessben Driving School Limited, Kessben Shipping and Freight Forwarding Limited, Aseda Clinic Limited, Transit World Limited, Aseda Insurance Brokerage Limited and Kessben University College.
Through the group’s growing portfolio of businesses, Kessben built a reputation as a prominent entrepreneur and lawyer. His influence in the media industry was particularly significant, with Kessben FM and Kessben TV becoming recognisable names among audiences in the Ashanti Region and across Ghana.
The company described his death as a tragic loss and extended its deepest condolences to his family, church, members of the legal fraternity and his wider social associates.
The bereaved family has also appealed for privacy and solemnity as relatives and loved ones mourn his passing.
A book of condolence will be opened at Kessben’s residence at Denyame in Kumasi from 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Friends, sympathisers, business associates and members of the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects and convey their condolences to the family.
The Kessben Group said further information on the one-week observation and the final funeral rites would be communicated in due course.
Read the statement below.
