Ghana’s business and media community has been thrown into mourning following reports that renowned businessman, lawyer and media entrepreneur Stephen Boateng, popularly known as Kwabena Kesse or Kessben, has died.
Reports of Kessben’s death began circulating on Thursday, August 20, 2026, triggering an outpouring of tributes from members of the public, business associates and personalities across Ghana.
Kessben was the founder of the Kessben Group of Companies and became one of the most recognisable business figures in the Ashanti Region, building interests across media, education, hospitality, travel, logistics and financial services.
He was particularly known for establishing the Kessben media brand, which includes Kessben FM, Kessben TV and Aseda TV, and for his significant contribution to Ghana’s broadcasting industry.
Beyond media, his business interests included Kessben Travel and Tours, Kessben Driving School, Kessben Computer School, Kessben Shipping and Forwarding, Fosua Hotel & Conference Centre, Kessben University College, Kessben Consult and the Kessben Foundation.
Kessben was also a trained lawyer and was widely known publicly as Lawyer Stephen Boateng after being called to the Ghana Bar.
His business journey was marked by both major achievements and challenges. Over the years, he built a reputation as an entrepreneur who invested heavily in businesses and institutions serving communities across Ghana.
He was also associated with philanthropic initiatives through the Kessben Outreach Foundation, which supported vulnerable individuals and families with medical and other forms of assistance.
While reports of his death have been widely circulated by Ghanaian media organisations and social media platforms, the cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.
At the time of publication, reports indicated that an official statement from his family or the management of Kessben Media had not yet been released. GhanaMedia.net is therefore treating the death as reported pending formal confirmation from the family or authorised representatives.
Kessben’s reported passing comes after a recent public appearance in Kumasi, where he was seen attending funeral rites earlier this year. Footage from that appearance has since resurfaced following the reports of his death.
His reported death represents a major moment for Ghana’s business and media landscape, particularly in the Ashanti Region, where he built much of his commercial and philanthropic legacy.
GhanaMedia.net will continue to follow the story and provide updates as official details emerge.
