The media industry and business world are mourning the loss of lawyer Stephen Kwabena Boateng, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Kessben Group, who has died following a prolonged illness. Kwabena Kesse was more than a media owner; he was a mentor, philanthropist, and a pillar of hope to countless families. An official statement confirmed his passing and disclosed the time of death, though full details of his final days have not been made public. The news spread rapidly across social media, with tributes pouring in for the Kumasi-based entrepreneur who built one of Ghana’s most recognisable media and business empires from the ground up. Who was Kwabena Kesse? Kwabena was the driving force behind the Kessben Group, a conglomerate with interests spanning radio, television, real estate and transport, all headquartered in Kumasi. Over the decades, he grew the brand into a household name, particularly in the Ashanti Region, where Kessben FM and Kessben TV became go-to platforms for local news and entertainment.
Beyond media, he was widely regarded as a pillar of the Kumasi business community, known for his entrepreneurial vision and his commitment to creating opportunities within the region. His death marks the end of an era for a business he dedicated much of his life to building. He also established several other businesses and institutions, including Kessben Computer Training School, Kessben Driving School, Multi Insurance, Multi Credit Savings & Loans, Fosuaa Hotel, Kessben Shipping & Forwarding, Kessben Travel & Tours, Kessben University College and Kessben Foundation. The official confirmation of his death, shared publicly, described the loss as a significant moment for those who knew him personally and for the broader communities his businesses served. Employees, colleagues and associates from across Ghana’s media and commercial sectors have since expressed their condolences, remembering him as a man of determination and purpose. Kwabena’s passing raises questions about the future direction of the Kessben Group, which he led as its chief executive. The conglomerate remains one of the most prominent privately owned business groups in Ghana’s second city.
