Condolence Book
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Lawyer Stephen Kwabena Boateng, widely known as Kessben, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Born and raised in North Suntreso, Kumasi, Kessben rose from humble beginnings to build one of Ghana’s most diversified business empires, spanning media, education, hospitality, transport, and finance. But beyond the boardrooms and broadcast studios, he was known simply as a man of quiet dignity, deep faith, and generosity that touched thousands of lives directly. From the students who walked through the halls of Kessben University College, to the young drivers trained at his driving school, to the countless Ghanaians who tuned into Kessben FM and Kessben TV each day, his reach went far beyond business. Even in his final days, true to form, he was reportedly still giving, extending kindness to inmates at Kumasi Central Prisons just hours before he passed.
He leaves behind not just a group of companies, but a legacy carried forward by everyone whose life he made a little better.
In addition to the physical book of condolence opened at his residence in Denyame, Kumasi, we have created this space so that colleagues, students, listeners, viewers, and friends from anywhere in the world can share a memory or a word of comfort. Every message left here will be read and kept as a lasting tribute to his life.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, his church, the legal fraternity, and the entire Kessben family during this time of grief.
Leave a Message of Condolence
Messages in Loving Memory
May God comfort the entire family and Kessben group of companies in this difficult time
Rest in peace, Kessben. Your hard work, generosity, and impact on countless lives will never be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences to your family and the entire Kessben family. May God grant you eternal rest
A beautiful life well lived. Kwabena Kesse will never be forgotten in Asante history of development. Damirifa Due, Kessben Nante yie, Kwabena Da yie
With a heavy heart, I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and entire staff of the Kessben Group on the passing of our beloved father, leader, and mentor.
Lawyer Kessben was a true pillar of the Kumasi community and a beacon of wisdom, entrepreneurship, and integrity across Ghana. Beyond his remarkable professional achievements, his true greatness lay in his character.
I had the privilege of speaking with him on the phone following a broadcast incident on Kessben Radio that had upset me. Rather than dismiss my concerns, he received my call with extraordinary humility, calmness, and profound respect. That brief interaction spoke volumes about the man he was: a leader who listened, cared, and treated everyone with absolute dignity, regardless of the platform or person.
Ghana has lost a visionary, but his legacy of humility and service will never be forgotten. May the Almighty God grant him eternal rest and keep his noble soul in His warm bosom. Rest peacefully, Lawyer.
A MAN I MET ON THE STAIRS
I first encountered Mr. Stephen Kwabena Kesse, Esq. in 2019, when I had just begun coming to Kessben Media to understudy my senior, Peter Osei-Kesse.
One day, I was standing by the elevator, repeatedly pressing the button, when a neatly dressed man in a striped shirt and black trousers walked up to me and said, “You are a young girl. Why do you want to use the elevator? Let’s use the stairs.”
So, I followed him.
As we walked up the stairs, he began asking me my name, what I was doing at the station and what I hoped to achieve. I told him I was understudying someone. He listened and then said something I have never forgotten: “With the way you are talking, you sound very intelligent and witty. Keep it up. And don’t forget to show appreciation to the people who gave you the opportunity.”
I asked for his name.
“Mr. Stephen,” he said.
That was it.
I assumed he was simply another person at the station.
We got to the fourth floor, and suddenly, people began calling out, “Director! Director!” Some even bowed and prostrated before him. He received everyone with the same humility and warmth with which he had spoken to me, and then continued upstairs.
I turned to someone and asked, “Who is that man?”
“Our boss.”
“Which boss?”
“The owner of the company. That’s Kesben.”
I was stunned.
Of all the places I could have imagined meeting the CEO and owner of a media company, it never occurred to me that I would meet him on the stairs — much less that I would actually take a walk up those stairs with him, having absolutely no idea who he was.
What struck me most was that he never once blew his own trumpet. He never told me who he was or what he had built. He simply spoke to me as one human being to another and allowed the people around him to reveal his stature.
That moment taught me something about true greatness and humility that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Years later, I became acquainted with his daughter and older son, and I proudly shared this story with them because I wanted them to know what a remarkable father they had.
Whenever I think of Mr. Kesse, however, I will always remember the man I met on the stairs — before I knew his name, his position, his accomplishments or the empire he had built.
I will remember a humble man who did not need to announce his greatness.
Thank you, Sir, for the lesson on the stairs.
May your soul rest in perfect peace, and may God comfort the family and everyone who mourns you.
You lived. You built. You served. You made your mark.
OKUAFO YƐ ADWUMA A, OPON.
Rest peacefully, Mr. Stephen Kwabena Kesse, Esq. 🤍🕊️
My sincere sympathy to the bereaved family and Kessben group
I started listening to Kessben FM since 2004 and it has been my favourite Media house till date. I have been saving at Multi Credit since 2010. You are a good man with good heart. We will definitely miss you. May the angels protect you till we meet again
Your legacy lives on
Rest peacefully, Mr. Kwabena Kesse, ESQ.
Your memory will forever remain in our hearts.
“Those we love never truly leave us; they live on in the memories and lives they touched.”
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Amen.
Mr Kesse was a role model, inspirational and hardworking man. Upon his wealth and busy schedules. He doesn't play with his Christian life.. May the good keep him. Until we meet again. May he rest him