The family of the late Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, a revered traditional leader and prominent figure in Ghana’s media and cultural landscape, has officially announced his passing and the upcoming observance of the Adaduanan, the customary forty-day rites held in honour of the departed.
Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, who held the title of Apagyahene of Ati Amanfro, New Tafo, passed away peacefully in London on May 26, 2025, after a brief illness. He was seventy-four years old and is survived by five children.
A statement signed by Okatakyie Nana Anim I, Akyem Ati Sanaahene, on behalf of the Asene and Bretuo royal families and the Akyem Ati Amanfrom Traditional Council, described the late Nana as a man of wisdom, humility, and national service. The family recalled his outstanding contributions not only as a traditional ruler but also as a towering figure in Ghana’s media and literary fraternity for over four decades.
Nana Gyan-Apenteng’s illustrious career spanned journalism, writing, public service, and cultural advocacy. He served as Chairman of the National Media Commission and was also the Board Chairman of the Ghana News Agency. He held editorial responsibilities at the Graphic Communications Group, where he was a long-serving columnist for The Mirror, and served as President of the Ghana Association of Writers. His expertise as a communications and cultural consultant was sought by institutions such as MTN Ghana, various United Nations agencies, the Media Foundation for West Africa, STAR-Ghana, and several other corporate and non-governmental organisations.
In the statement, the family highlighted Nana’s enduring legacy in shaping ethical journalism in Ghana, fostering cultural discourse, and mentoring generations of media professionals.
In accordance with Akan custom, the family will observe the forty-day rites on Friday, June 27, 2025. A special church service will be held at the Covenant Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Dzorwulu, Accra, beginning at eight in the morning and concluding at ten. This will be followed immediately by a family and public gathering at the International Press Centre in Ridge, Accra.
The family has respectfully invited the general public, including friends, colleagues, and the media fraternity, to join them in paying tribute to the life and legacy of Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng. They believe that the presence of sympathisers will offer comfort and solidarity during this moment of collective mourning and will serve as a testament to the impact Nana made in both traditional and national development.
Those wishing to attend the observance or send messages of condolence are encouraged to contact Mr. Isaac Nhyira Apenteng via phone at +233 243 179 992 or by email at isaac.nhyiraapenteng@gmail.com by June 25, 2025, to assist the family in making appropriate arrangements. The family has also requested that written tributes for inclusion in the official brochure be submitted through the same channels.
Further details regarding the final funeral rites will be communicated in due course. The family expressed their deepest gratitude to all who have reached out with support and condolences, and affirmed that Nana’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched with his intellect, integrity, and devotion to public service.
The death
Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng passed away in London. He is reported to have died on Monday, 26 May 2025. He was 74 years old.
Nana Gyan-Apenteng served as Chairman of the 8th NMC from November 2015 to November 2018, succeeding Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, who had completed his tenure. He was a consultant in communication, media, and culture, and also served as President of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW).
He had extensive experience in the media, having practised for over 45 years as a reporter, editor, writer, teacher, and trainer. He was a former editor and columnist of The Mirror weekly newspaper, as well as the Appiahene of Tafo Eti in the Eastern Region. He also served as Deputy Editor of the erstwhile London-based West Africa magazine in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Upon his return to Ghana in the 1990s, Nana Gyan-Apenteng worked with the Third World Network as Head of the organisation’s Communication Unit and Editor of its monthly magazine, Africa Agenda. He served as a media trainer and communications consultant for several corporate, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organisations, including MTN Ghana, some United Nations agencies, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), STAR-Ghana, among others.
He was an alumnus of Apam Secondary School and the University of Ghana, Legon. He began his professional journalism career at the Daily Graphic in 1982 as a Staff Writer. He later became Foreign News Editor and briefly served as Acting Editor. He was subsequently appointed Editor of The Mirror, where he introduced news features that have endured to this day.
Nana Gyan-Apenteng later relocated to the United Kingdom, where he co-founded Ghana News magazine before being invited to serve as Deputy and Acting Editor of West Africa magazine. He also founded and edited African Topics magazine, the only Pan-African publication at the time dedicated to governance and human rights.
He further worked with the Third World Network, the Cultural Initiatives Support Programme, and the European Union Culture Fund for Ghana, among others, in his capacity as a communications expert. He also served as a part-time lecturer at Vauxhall College in London and at the European University Centre for Peace Studies in Austria. In addition, he provided training for both state and private sector institutions and remained a regular columnist for The Mirror newspaper.
About The Author
