By Daniel Bampoe
In a momentous event marked by culture, opulence, and innovation, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Sunday officially opened the Despite Automobile Museum in East Legon, Accra.
The ceremony, which drew an elite guest list from politics, business, and entertainment, marked the transformation of a personal passion into a national treasure.
The museum, the brainchild of celebrated Ghanaian businessman and media mogul Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, is a multi-million-dollar institution built to showcase some of the rarest and most exquisite vehicles in global motoring history.
Located on the grounds of the former Lizzy Sports Complex, the facility now stands as a striking new landmark in Ghana’s capital city, fusing luxury and learning in a first-of-its-kind experience.
Legacy of Passion Turned Public
For over three decades, Osei Kwame Despite has quietly cultivated an expansive collection of automobiles, spanning from vintage classics to modern supercars.
What began as a personal hobby has now culminated in the opening of this ultra-modern automobile museum, aimed at preserving automotive heritage and promoting tourism.
Speaking at the event, officials noted that the museum was not only conceived to satisfy the curiosity of car lovers but also to educate the public on the evolution of automobile engineering and design over the years.
Rare Treasures on Display
The museum’s collection boasts an array of meticulously preserved vehicles, including legendary names such as Bugatti, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, and Mercedes-Benz.
Of particular interest is a Rolls Royce Silver Wraith Long Wheelbase (LWB), a model historically reserved for royalty and dignitaries.
The collection also includes Harley Davidson motorcycles and immersive driving simulators for hands-on experiences.
Each exhibit is accompanied by detailed plaques that explain not only the technical specifications but also the cultural context of the era in which the vehicle was manufactured.
This interactive and educational approach distinguishes the museum from other private collections in Africa.
The museum’s opening was attended by an array of dignitaries and public figures, further highlighting its national significance.
Among the attendees were former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Ibrahim Mahama, real estate developer Nana Kwame Bediako (also known as Cheddar), Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and award-winning rapper Sarkodie.
Their presence served not only as an endorsement of Despite’s contribution to cultural preservation but also as a signal of the museum’s potential as a major destination on Ghana’s tourism map.
Boost to Heritage and Creative Tourism
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Despite Automobile Museum is expected to contribute significantly to Ghana’s creative and heritage tourism sectors.
With growing global interest in experiential tourism, the facility provides a unique blend of historical insight and modern engagement.
From Cassette Seller to Cultural Icon
The opening of the museum has also sparked public admiration for Osei Kwame Despite’s journey.
Many recall his humble beginnings selling cassettes on the streets of Accra in the 1980s before rising to become one of the country’s most powerful businessmen through his Despite Group of Companies, which owns several media outlets including Peace FM and UTV.
