Ghanaian businessman and entrepreneur Stephen Boateng, popularly known as Kwabena Kesse or Kessben, has reportedly died.
News of his death emerged on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with several media organisations in the country reporting the development.
At the time of publication, however, the cause of his death had not been officially disclosed.
Kessben was a prominent figure in Ghana’s business community, particularly in the Ashanti Region, where he built a diversified business portfolio with interests spanning media, hospitality, education, finance and other commercial ventures.
He was also a trained lawyer and became widely recognised for establishing businesses that carried the Kessben brand.
Kessben’s entrepreneurial journey saw him build a number of businesses over several decades, earning him a reputation as one of the notable businessmen from the Ashanti Region.
He was particularly associated with Kessben FM, a radio station that became an important part of Ghana’s media landscape.
His broader business interests also extended into hospitality, education, financial services and other areas.
Through his investments, Kessben became known not only as a businessman but also as an employer whose ventures created opportunities for people across different sectors.
Before becoming a major entrepreneur, Stephen Boateng began his professional life in education.
A biography contained in the Kessben College student handbook indicates that he received professional teacher training at Foso Training College and subsequently worked as a teacher for about three years.
He later travelled outside the country in search of better economic opportunities.
Upon his return to the country, he entered the business world, initially dealing in imported second-hand vehicles as well as refrigerators and television sets.
His commercial activities gradually expanded. He ventured into businesses including chemical shops, supermarkets and communication services before building a much larger business network.
His rise from a trained teacher to a successful entrepreneur became an important part of his story and contributed to his public profile in Ghana.
Beyond business and media, Kessben also had a significant association with Ghanaian football.
He founded Kessben FC, which participated in the domestic football league and became associated with the Kessben brand.
In 2010, the club was taken over by businessman Moses Armah Parker and subsequently renamed Medeama SC.
The club later established itself as a notable force in Ghanaian football, adding another dimension to Kessben’s legacy in the country’s sporting and business communities.
News of Kessben’s reported passing has sparked shock and sadness, particularly among people in the Ashanti Region, as well as members of Ghana’s business, media and football communities.
His career had made him a familiar name to many Ghanaians, with his businesses and investments extending beyond a single industry.
As of the latest reports, details surrounding his death remain limited and there has been no official announcement on the cause of death.
Further information, including details of his funeral arrangements and tributes from his family, business associates, colleagues and public figures, is expected to emerge in the coming days.
Kessben’s reported death marks the loss of a businessman whose journey from the classroom to entrepreneurship saw him build a diverse commercial empire and establish a lasting presence in Ghana’s business, media and football sectors.
By 1960news.com
