Biography of Daasebre Osei Bonsu II
Born on December 31, 1938, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II was the only child of one of Ghana’s pioneering female educationists of the pre-independence era, and a proud member of the Botaase Bretuo Royal Family of Asante Mampong, Madam Mary Gyimah, nee Hyman.
In his journey of life, Daasebre was blessed with a devoted wife, Mrs. Janet Dorothy Gyimah-Kessie, who played the dual role of a wife and a mother in support of Daasebre, following the early passing of his mother.
A role she played so well with love and dedication until the departure of Daasebre. Together, Daasebre and Mama Janet raised their daughter, Dr Naana Mary Gyimah-Kessie, a distinguished medical practitioner formerly a Principal Medical Officer at SSNIT’s Trust Hospital in Accra and currently pursuing her specialisation in the United Kingdom.
Daasebre had thirteen paternal siblings, of whom five are still alive: Victor Brookman Kessie (London), Esther Sampany Kessie (Kumasi), Dr. Kofi Kessie (USA), Alex Sampany Kessie (Germany), and Emmanuel Sampany Kessie (Kumasi).
Academic Pursuit
Daasebre’s academic brilliance was evident from an early age. He began his education in 1945 at Government Boys’ Primary and Middle School in Kumasi.
After excelling in the Common Entrance Examination, he proceeded to Prempeh College (1954–1960), and later to the University of Ghana, Legon, where he earned a BA in Economics, Political Science, and Modern History (1966) and an LLB (Hons) in 1970. In 1980, he was called to the Bar, becoming a Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Public Service & University Leadership
Daasebre’s distinguished public service began in 1966 at the Ghana Commercial Bank. He later served as Assistant Clerk to Parliament (1970- 1972).
His quest for Higher Administrative Responsibilities made him join the staff of the then University of Science and Technology (UST) now Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology as Assistant Registrar in 1972.
By dint of hard work and commitment to duty, he became Assistant Director in the then Academic Directorate in the Registrar’s Office from 1975 to 1979. The excellent manner in which Daasebre discharged his duties earned him a promotion to the position of Deputy Registrar through the rank of Senior Assistant Registrar in 1979.
Upon his promotion, he was made to act as the Deputy Registrar in charge of Personnel and Administration from 1984 to 1988.
In October 1988, he gained promotion by Appointment as the substantive Deputy Registrar responsible for Personnel and Administration.
Rising through the ranks, he became Registrar and Secretary to the University Council in 1991, a position he held with exceptional dignity and dedication until his retirement in 2000.
He enhanced the university’s international collaboration, modernized administration, and mentored future leaders. His academic engagements took him to prestigious institutions in Manchester, Warwick, and Oxford, earning multiple certifications in Higher Education Administration. He also served on several Committees and Associations including Committees of Council, Academic Board and Welfare Services Board, Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, Ghana Association of University Administrators etc. Daasebre had a number of Memoranda, Reports and Publications to his credit as Principal Officer of the University.
Legal Practice
Alongside his university role, Daasebre practised law part-time with Messrs. J. Peele and Co., Kumasi, from 1980 to 1996, serving clients with the same integrity that characterized every aspect of his life.
Ascension to the Silver Stool
On 25th August 1996, Daasebre was enstooled as the Mamponhene and Nifahene/Nwisiahene of Asanteman, following the long-awaited resolution of a protracted chieftaincy dispute.
As the direct successor to Nana Atakora Amaniampong, Daasebre brought with him administrative excellence, dignity, and a modern developmental vision for Mampong.
His reign brought peace, structure, and renewal to the Mampong Traditional Area. He championed inclusive leadership, revived customs, elevated chiefs, and empowered queen mothers.
His role as Nwisiahene was instrumental in the peaceful transition from Otumfuo Opoku Ware II to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, marking one of the smoothest successions in Ashanti history.
The revered traditional leader passed on in April 2025, while acting as the caretaker of the Asante Kingdom in the absence of the King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
