Nii Ayi-Bonte II: Former Hearts of Oak board member and Gbese Mantse passes away

Former Hearts of Oak Board and Management Member, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, the Gbese Mantse, has passed away following a short illness.

The respected traditional ruler, known in private life as Thomas Okine, died on Saturday, June 6, 2026, bringing to an end a distinguished career that spanned traditional leadership, sports administration and business.

Nii Ayi-Bonte II played a significant role in the success of Hearts of Oak during one of the club’s most successful periods.

His involvement in the Phobian club's administration coincided with an era in which Hearts dominated both the Ghana Premier League and African club football, cementing their status as one of the continent’s leading teams.

Beyond football, he was a prominent traditional leader. Installed as Gbese Mantse in 2007, Nii Ayi-Bonte II combined his chieftaincy responsibilities with a successful professional career in business and public service.

An accountant by profession, he founded Lifetime Pharmacy Limited and Savemart Company Limited, contributing significantly to the growth of the private sector.

He also held several key positions within traditional governance structures, serving on the Judicial Committees of the Ga Traditional Council and the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs. In addition, he was a commissioner of the Greater Accra Regional Lands Commission.

His passion for sports extended beyond football. Nii Ayi-Bonte II was actively involved in boxing and managed former world champion Joseph Agbeko.

He also played a role in promoting professional boxing events in Ghana, helping to support the development of the sport.

Tributes are expected to pour in from across the sporting fraternity, traditional institutions and the business community as many reflect on his lasting impact.

Nii Ayi-Bonte II will be remembered for his dedication to traditional leadership, his contributions to sports development and his unwavering commitment to community advancement, as well as his enduring association with Accra Hearts of Oak SC.