Kessben Group CEO Stephen Kwabena Boateng passes away

The Chief Executive Officer of Kessben Group of Companies, Stephen Kwabena Boateng, popularly known as Kwabena Kesse or Kessben, has died.

Mr Boateng died on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in a development that has sent shockwaves through Ghana's business, media and political communities.

News of his death is expected to trigger an outpouring of tributes from business associates, employees, media personalities, politicians and other individuals who interacted with him throughout his career.

Stephen Kwabena Boateng was best known for building and leading the Kessben Group of Companies, a diversified business conglomerate with interests across several sectors of Ghana's economy.

Under his leadership, the Kessben brand grew into a prominent corporate name, particularly in the Ashanti Region, with businesses spanning education, hospitality, transportation, media, financial services and consultancy.

The Kessben Group's portfolio includes:

• Kessben Travel and Tours;
• Kessben Driving School;
• Kessben Computer School;
• Kessben Shipping and Forwarding Ltd;
• Fosua Hotel and Conference Centre;
• Kessben University College;
• Kessben Consult;
• Kessben Foundation;
• Kessben FM; and
• Kessben TV.

The group also became increasingly prominent in Ghana's media industry through its radio and television operations.

According to the company's profile at the Registrar General's Department, Mr Boateng was the sole shareholder of Kessben FM Limited, the parent company under which his media businesses, including Kessben TV, Aseda TV and Kessben FM, were registered.

He also held majority shares in Multi Credit Savings and Loans Ltd.

Beyond his business interests, Mr Boateng was a lawyer, with his professional title often appearing as Stephen Kwabena Boateng, Esq.

His legal background complemented his career in business, where he played a central role in overseeing the operations and expansion of the Kessben Group.

His combination of legal expertise and entrepreneurship helped establish him as a notable figure within Ghana's corporate and business landscape.

The Kessben brand became more than a collection of commercial enterprises, with its activities contributing to employment and enterprise development while creating opportunities for young people across different sectors.

His media investments also gave the Kessben brand a strong public presence, particularly in the Ashanti Region, where Kessben FM became a recognisable name.

Through the Kessben Foundation and other initiatives, his business activities also extended into areas of social and community engagement.

The news of Mr Boateng's death has reportedly left employees, business partners, friends and associates deeply saddened.

For many who knew him, his passing represents the loss of a businessman who played a significant role in building one of Ghana's recognisable privately owned business brands.

The circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately available at the time of publication.

Details of his funeral arrangements are also yet to be announced. The family is expected to communicate information concerning the final funeral rites in due course.

His death also raises questions about the future leadership and direction of the Kessben Group of Companies, one of the business ventures most closely associated with his name.

As Ghana's business and media communities mourn, tributes are expected to highlight his contributions to entrepreneurship, media, employment and private-sector development.

Media General extends its condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, friends, business associates and all who mourn the passing of Stephen Kwabena Boateng (Kessben).