By Nii Martey M. Botchway
Accra, Aug. 28, GNA – The mortal remains of Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, veteran Journalist and Board Chairman of the Ghana News Agency (GNA), have arrived in Accra
The former NMC Chairman and Apegyahene of Tafo Ati, aged 74, died in May this year in London, United Kingdom, where he was seeking medical treatment.
His remains were received at the Kotoka International Airport by his family, in the company of the National Media Commission (NMC).
The custom air tray casket with a wooden base containing his mortal remains were on board British Airways
which touched down at 1840 hours.
The NMC led by Mr. George Sarpong, the Executive Secretary; Dr Afua Asabea Asare; the Asafohene of Tutu Akuapem; Okatakyie Nana Anim I, the Saanhene of Ati Amanfrom, New Tafo Akyem; Nana Baffour Twumasi, the Atiamo Ababio Konti of Akyem Ati, inspected the documents covering the hermetically sealed casket to ensure that the details were that of the renowned media consultant.
In a ceremony to signify the receipt of the casket, the Saanhene and his linguist made libation at the airport, and followed by a brief exhortation from Rev Kingsley Asare Addo, the District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Dzorwulu. He also prayed for the family.
Paying glowing tribute to Nana Gyan-Apenteng, Mr. Sarpong, said throughout his career, Nana Gyam-Apenteng embodied the finest traditions of public service, bringing integrity, wisdom, and a deep respect for democratic values to every role he played.
He said Nana’s tenure as Chairman of the NMC was marked by vision, inclusiveness, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the media as a pillar of Ghana’s democracy.
“Beyond his official duties, Nana Gyan-Apenteng was a mentor and inspiration to generations of journalists, writers, and cultural workers,” he said.
“His calm demeanor, intellectual depth, and devotion to truth and fairness set a standard that would continue to guide the Commission and the broader media fraternity,” he added.
The body was later conveyed to the morgue after the welcome ceremony.
Funeral
Bishop Fred Apenteng, a brother of the veteran Journalist, said the funeral rites and burial service would take place at Ati Amanfro from in the Eastern Region from September 3 to 5.
This will be preceded by a vigil by the Writers’ Front at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation on August 31.
He also revealed that his brother’s latest book titled, “What I choose to remember,” will be launched on September 21, at the Teachers’ Hall in Accra,
Citing Nana Gyam-Apenteng’s impact on the media landscape as immeasurable, Bishop called on the public to honour Nana’s legacy by purchasing a copy of the book.
Profile
Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng was a Consultant in Communication, Media and Culture and was also the President of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW), and Board Chairman of the GNA.
He had an extensive experience in media having practised for over 45 years as a reporter, editor, writer, teacher and trainer.
He became Chairman of the 8th NMC from November 2015 to November 2018.
He was a graduate of Apam Secondary School and the University of Ghana, Legon.
Career
Nana Gyan-Apenteng formally began work as a Staff Writer at Daily Graphic in 1982, rising through the ranks to become Foreign News Editor and later as acting Editor. He was subsequently appointed editor of the Mirror where he introduced news features.
He relocated to the United Kingdom where he co-founded Ghana News magazine before being invited to be the Deputy and Acting Editor of West Africa magazine.
He also founded and edited African Topics magazine, the only Pan-African publication dedicated to governance and human rights, and worked with the Third World Network, Cultural Initiatives Support Programme, the European Union Culture Fund for Ghana, among others as a communications expert after returning to Ghana in the 1990s.
Besides providing training for both state and private sector institutions and a columnist for The Mirror Newspaper, he also served as a part time lecturer at Vauxhall College in London and the European University Centre for Peace Studies in Austria.
GNA
27 Aug. 2025
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong