BY GRACE ZIGAH
THE business community has been thrown into mourning following the death of renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Stephen Kwabena Boateng, popularly known as Kwabena Kesse or Kessben, at the age of 68.
Kessben, founder of the Kessben Group of Companies, reportedly died after a period of illness. His death marks the end of a remarkable entrepreneurial journey that saw him build a diversified business empire with interests stretching from media and education to hospitality, transportation, financial services and consultancy.
Born on September 12, 1957, Kessben was raised in North Suntreso in Kumasi, where his early life preceded a business career spanning more than three decades. From relatively modest beginnings, he eventually emerged as one of the better-known Ghanaian entrepreneurs whose businesses became particularly prominent in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
At the centre of his business activities was the Kessben Group, which developed into a collection of companies operating in several sectors of the Ghanaian economy.
The group’s interests included Kessben Travel and Tours, Kessben Media, Kessben Driving School, Kessben Computer School, Kessben Shipping and Forwarding Limited, Fosua Hotel and Conference Centre, Kessben University College, Kessben Consult and the Kessben Foundation among others.
His expansion into different sectors reflected an entrepreneurial strategy that went beyond a single commercial venture. Kessben built businesses targeting transportation, education, hospitality, logistics and professional services, while simultaneously developing a strong public profile.
Perhaps one of his most visible ventures was his entry into Ghana’s media industry.
Through Kessben FM Limited, he established and operated media outlets including Kessben FM, Kessben TV and Aseda TV. Kessben FM, in particular, became a familiar voice in Ghana’s radio landscape and contributed to the growth of the country’s privately owned media sector.
His business interests also extended to financial services, where he held majority shares in Multi Credit Savings and Loans Limited.
Between 2004 and 2010, Kessben served as a member of Ghana’s National Peace Council, placing him within an important national institution responsible for contributing to peacebuilding, conflict prevention and national cohesion.
His service on the council provided another dimension to his public life, coming at a time when Ghana was strengthening its democratic institutions and developing mechanisms for preventing political and social conflicts.
