Omanghana
Ghana’s tourism industry and the Akwamu Traditional Kingdom are mourning the death of Prince Anthony Kwasi Denkyem Bart-Appiah, a royal, cultural diplomat and member of the Ghana Tourism Authority’s governing board.
Prince Anthony passed away in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, 2026, at his private residence in Spintex, Accra, according to an announcement by the Ghana Tourism Authority. Reports have attributed his death to a suspected heart attack, although the precise cause has not been officially confirmed.
His death has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s tourism and cultural sectors, where he was widely recognized for promoting the country to the global African diaspora and building stronger connections between Africa, Europe and Latin America.
A Member of the Akwamu Royal Family
Prince Anthony was a member of the Akwamu Traditional Family in Ghana’s Eastern Region. He was a grandson of Nana Afrakoma II, Queen Mother of Akwamu, and a relative of the occupant of the Akwamu stool.
His royal background influenced much of his public work, particularly his efforts to promote African heritage, cultural identity and cooperation with communities of African descent outside the continent.
Before moving into cultural advocacy, tourism and international relations, Prince Anthony served in the British Army. His experience abroad later contributed to his work connecting Ghana with international institutions, investors and diaspora communities.
He also studied at the University of Greenwich and the London Academy of Diplomacy, building an international career that spanned military service, education, media, cultural advocacy and development.
Marriage Strengthened Ghana-Panama Relations
In 2022, Prince Anthony married prominent Panamanian lawyer, author and politician Kayra Harding, who previously served as First Vice President of Panama’s National Assembly.
The high-profile union attracted attention in both Ghana and Panama and was celebrated as a symbol of the growing relationship between Africa and Latin America.
Following their marriage, Harding received the Akwamu royal title Nana Akua Adobea. The couple subsequently used their public platforms to promote cultural exchanges, investment discussions and stronger relations between Ghana and Panama.
Prince Anthony also helped facilitate engagements involving Ghanaian and Panamanian institutions, including conversations about trade, tourism, education and investment. Asaase Radio’s coverage of the royal wedding described the marriage as part of a wider effort to strengthen cooperation between Africa and Latin America.
He is survived by his wife and two teenage children.
Contribution to Ghana’s Tourism Industry
As a board member of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Prince Anthony supported efforts to present Ghana as an important destination for heritage tourism and diaspora engagement.
He was closely associated with initiatives connected to the Year of Return, Ghana’s flagship tourism campaign that encouraged people of African descent to visit the country, reconnect with their heritage and explore opportunities for investment and long-term engagement.
The campaign helped elevate Ghana’s international profile as a leading destination for African diasporans. It also created momentum for subsequent tourism and cultural programs designed to maintain relationships established during the commemorative year.
Prince Anthony’s contribution extended beyond attracting visitors. His work sought to create lasting cultural, educational and economic links between Ghana and diaspora communities around the world.
Building Bridges Through Culture and Investment
Prince Anthony was the founder and head of The Bridge Zone Global, an organization created to connect Africa with its diaspora through storytelling, education, culture and investment.
Through the organization, he promoted African narratives to international audiences while supporting discussions about trade, tourism and cross-continental partnerships. Its initiatives included diaspora storytelling projects, investment dialogues and programs aimed at improving international understanding of Africa.
He also served as president of AfroPanama International, positioning Panama as a strategic link between Africa and Latin America.
In 2023, he reportedly contributed to the establishment of a Ghana-Panama parliamentary friendship framework intended to strengthen cultural, educational and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
His work also supported youth development, educational opportunities, health campaigns and women-led businesses in Ghana and parts of Latin America.
Advocacy for Better Schools
Earlier in 2026, Prince Anthony championed the Every Child Deserves a Classroom initiative in partnership with the Ghana Education Trust Fund.
The initiative sought to draw attention to children studying in unsafe or temporary structures, including schools where lessons were held under trees. Its broader goal was to mobilize support for improved classroom infrastructure and provide students with safer, more dignified learning environments.
The campaign reflected his belief that cultural promotion and international partnerships should produce practical improvements in the lives of ordinary people.
Ghana Tourism Authority Pays Tribute
In its tribute, the Ghana Tourism Authority described Prince Anthony’s passing as a major loss to the country’s tourism industry and the global diaspora community.
“The tourism industry has lost a pioneering figure and a vital link to the diasporan community,” the authority stated while extending condolences to his family, the Akwamu state and his widow in Panama.
The GTA said Prince Anthony would be remembered for using tourism, cultural diplomacy and strategic partnerships to bring Ghana closer to communities of African descent around the world. The authority’s announcement was reported following his death on July 26.
Funeral and burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family and the Akwamu Traditional Kingdom at a later date.
Source: Omanghana
