The people of Akyem Ati Amanfrom in Ghana‘s Eastern Region on Saturday bid a royal farewell to their illustrious son, Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, the Apagyahene of the town and former Board Chair of the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
The final funeral rites were marked by rich tradition and regal splendour as chiefs, elders, and mourners from across the country and abroad gathered to honour a man who embodied both royal heritage and intellectual excellence. Amid the thunder of Fontomfrom drums and musket firing, mourners clad in red and black thronged the funeral grounds, their sorrow tempered by pride in celebrating a chief who bridged ancestral legacy with scholarly brilliance.
Nana Gyan-Apenteng, revered for his profound contributions to media, culture, and public service, was hailed as a royal who never turned his back on tradition, even as he ascended to the heights of modern professional life. The ceremony was filled with dirges and traditional songs, ushering him into the ancestral realm with dignity befitting his dual stature as a cultural custodian and intellectual.
As a devoted Presbyterian, the rites transitioned from traditional to Christian observances at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Bethel Congregation, New Tafo-Akim, where family, friends, and colleagues paid glowing tributes.
His son, Comrade Kwadwo Aboagye Gyan-Apenteng, described him as “a comrade in a revolution, a fight for human rights, decency, and freedom of speech.” He recalled his father’s exile for standing up against political oppression. Edith, the widow, in an emotional tribute, wrote: “You were so brilliant, your depth of knowledge was amazing. We fell in love and never fell out of love. Sleep well, my Kwasi… love always.”
The Ghana News Agency, in its statement, honoured him as “a consummate professional” whose belief in the Agency’s vital role in Ghana’s democratic and socio-economic development was unwavering. “His commitment to the Agency’s success was steadfast as he consistently rallied stakeholder support to help it thrive,” the statement said.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Okyenhene, described the late chief as “a devoted servant of truth,” noting that he was more than an Apagyahene; he was a custodian of values who served Okyeman with diligence and honour.
Born in Asamankese on March 12, 1951, to Mr Kingsley Aboagye Apenteng, a government auditor, and Mrs Margaret Adwoa Kesewa Apenteng, Nana began life under the care of his grandmother, Obaapanin Akua Frema Gyan. Known affectionately as “Paapa,” he moved frequently with his parents and later attended Okuapeman Secondary School and the University of Ghana, where he earned a reputation for fearlessly confronting injustice.
After university, he worked as a lecturer’s assistant, taught at Aburi Girls’ Secondary School, and served as Secretary-General of the All-African Students Union (ASSU). His activism led to his exile in London for over 15 years before returning to Ghana to continue his work in advocacy, academia, and cultural policy.
He served as Director of the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organisational Development (CISP), Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), and President of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW), where he advanced the cause of media freedom and creative expression.
Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng battled bowel cancer for six months before passing in May this year in London at age 74. He is survived by his wife and five children.
As the sun set over the Akyem hills and the drums grew silent, his legacy resonated deeply, etched in the hearts of his people and immortalised in the traditions he upheld and the intellectual future he inspired.
