The management of the Kessben Group of Companies has officially confirmed the death of its founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lawyer Stephen Boateng, popularly known as Kwabena Kesse or Kessben, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding reports of his passing that circulated widely on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
In a press statement dated August 20, 2026, the management of the Kessben Group announced with profound sorrow that its founder and Chief Executive Officer had passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in Kumasi, following a short period of illness.
The official confirmation follows hours of reports and speculation about the death of the renowned Ghanaian businessman, whose name has been closely associated with business, media and entrepreneurship in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
According to the statement, the Kessben Group of Companies comprises a number of businesses and institutions, including 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 these ventures, Kessben established himself as one of the notable entrepreneurs to emerge from the Ashanti Region, while his media businesses, particularly Kessben FM and Kessben TV, made him a familiar name among Ghanaians.
The management described his passing as a tragic loss and extended its deepest condolences to his family, church, members of the legal fraternity and his wider social associates.
The statement also indicated that the bereaved family has requested privacy and solemnity during the period of mourning as they come to terms with the loss.
Meanwhile, a book of condolence will be opened at his residence at Denyame in Kumasi from 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, to allow friends, sympathisers, business associates and members of the public to express their condolences.
The Kessben Group further disclosed that details concerning the official date for the one-week observation and the final funeral rites will be announced as they become available.
Kessben’s death has already triggered reactions from across Ghana, with tributes pouring in for the businessman, lawyer and media entrepreneur whose career spanned several decades.