Kessben Group Founder Stephen Boateng Dies After Short Illness

Ghanaian businessman and lawyer Stephen Boateng, popularly known as Kwabena Kesse or Kessben, has died at the age of 68.

The founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kessben Group of Companies passed away in Kumasi on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, following a short period of illness, according to an official statement issued by the management of the group on Thursday, August 20.

The announcement has sent shockwaves across Ghana’s business, media and legal communities, particularly in the Ashanti Region, where Kessben built much of his business empire.

In a press statement dated August 20, 2026, the management of Kessben Group expressed deep sorrow over the death of its founder and described the development as a tragic loss to the group.

The statement said Lawyer Stephen Boateng passed away on August 19 in Kumasi after a short illness.

Management extended its condolences to his family, church, members of the legal fraternity and his wider circle of associates.

Kessben’s death has since attracted tributes from individuals and groups who have described him as an influential entrepreneur whose activities created opportunities across several sectors of Ghana’s economy.

At the time of his death, Boateng was at the helm of a diversified business group with operations and interests spanning media, tourism, hospitality, education, transportation, logistics, healthcare and financial services.

The companies listed in the official statement 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

Kessben University College

Through these ventures, Kessben became one of the most recognisable private-sector entrepreneurs in Kumasi and the Ashanti Region. His media operations, in particular, helped establish the Kessben name as a household brand in Ghana.

As the family and the Kessben Group begin preparations to mourn their founder, a book of condolence has been opened at his residence at Denyame in Kumasi.

According to the statement, members of the public can sign the book from 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026.

The family has also appealed for privacy and solemnity as relatives, friends, colleagues and associates come to terms with the loss.

The management of Kessben Group said details concerning the one-week observation and final funeral rites will be announced when they become available.

No official dates for the final funeral had been provided in the statement as of August 20.

The family is also expected to announce dates on which members of the public will have the opportunity to personally offer their condolences.

Stephen Boateng built his reputation through entrepreneurship and gradually expanded his interests into multiple sectors.

He was also a trained lawyer. Reports indicate that he was called to the Ghana Bar in 2022, after pursuing his legal studies later in life. He had earlier studied Economics with Law at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and obtained an MBA in Finance.

His business journey ultimately produced a conglomerate with a presence in areas including broadcasting, education, hospitality, transport, logistics and financial services.

His passing therefore marks the end of an era for one of Kumasi’s most prominent business figures.

As tributes continue to pour in, attention is expected to turn to the funeral arrangements and the future leadership of the various businesses established under the Kessben Group.