By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi/Benjamin Adamafio Commey
Accra, Oct. 6, GNA – 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.
The final funeral rites were steeped in pageantry and deep tradition, as chiefs, elders and hundreds of mourners from across all spheres of life in the country and beyond gathered to honour a man who was both a noble royal and a towering intellectual
Amid beats of Fontomfrom drums and the rhythmic firing of muskets, the chiefs and mourners adorned in red and black cloth filled the funeral grounds, their grief softened only by the pride of having known a man who bridged ancestral legacy with scholarly greatness.
Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, who was the Board Chair of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) until his demise was revered as a pillar in media, culture and public service and hailed as a royal who never turned his back on tradition—even as he soared in modern spheres.
The royal funeral grounds echoed with chants of dirges and traditional songs, as cultural performers paid tribute to the Apagyahene, ushering him into the realm of the ancestors with dignity befitting his royal and academic stature.
As a devoted Christian and Presbyterian, he was transitioned from the traditional and royal funeral rites to a burial service at the Presbyterian Church Ghana, Bethel Congregation, New Tafo-Akim, where families, friends and mourners eulogised him for his courage, compassion and wisdom.
His son, Comrade Kwadwo Aboagye Gyan-Apenteng, in a tribute said: “He was indeed my comrade in a revolution; a fight for human rights and decency; a fight for freedom and justice. Because of his standing up for freedom of speech and against abuse of political power, he was exiled overseas.”
“You were so brilliant and the depth of knowledge you had about almost every topic; even obscure ones was amazing. We fell in love and never fell out of love. Sleep well my Kwasi…love always,” Edith, the widow, said.
The Ghana News Agency, also wrote: “A consummate professional…Nana firmly believed in the Ghana News Agency’s vital role in advancing the country’s socio-economic development and strengthening its democratic foundations.”
“His commitment to the Agency’s success was unwavering and he consistently sought to rally stakeholder support to help it thrive,” it said.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Okyenhene, who described the late Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng as “a devoted servant of truth,” said the late Chief was not just another Apagyahene, but a custodian of values who served Okyeman with diligence and dignity.
Nana was born in Asamankese in his maternal hometown on March 12, 1951, to Mr Kingsley Aboagye Apenteng, who worked as a government auditor and Mrs Margaret Adwoa Kesewa Apenteng. He began life under the care of his grandmother, Obaapanin Akua Frema Gyan – fondly called Akua Maria and at age five, little “Paapa,” as he was called moved with his parents to several places across the country.
During his days at the Okuapeman Secondary School and University of Ghana, Nana was uncompromising, calling out injustice—whether from teachers, politicians and school authorities. He once famously confronted policemen for mistreating detainees, only to be falsely accused of carrying marijuana.
After university, the late Apagyahene served as a lecturer’s assistant, taught briefly at Aburi Girls’ Secondary School, served as Secretary-General of the All African Students Union (ASSU) and briefly traveled to the UK, though he soon returned. He joined the Graphic Corporation, championed ideological reform and social transformation but was later forced him into exile in London, where he lived for over 15 years.
Upon his returned to Ghana, he worked at the Third World Network and found fresh inspiration – sparking an expansion of his influence across academia, public policy and cultural development. He served as the Director of the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CISP).
Nana was also appointed Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), reinforcing his dedication to media integrity and freedom. As President of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW), he helped amplify the voices of Ghanaian creatives and extended to the Ghana News Agency, his influence as Board Chairman.
For six months, he battled bowel cancer. Sadly, he passed on May this year in London, UK, aged 74. He left behind five children and wife. He left behind not just a family but a generation of thinkers, writers and freedom-lovers inspired by his works.
As the sun dipped behind the Akyem hills, the sound of drums faded and the muskets grew silent. Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng’s legacy, however, echoed loudly – etched in the hearts of his people and immortalised in the traditions he cherished and the future he helped shape.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade