National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has praised entrepreneur Dr Osei Kwame Despite for his bold move in establishing a world-class automobile museum in Accra, describing it as a much-needed investment in preserving Ghana’s cultural identity.
Speaking to Graphic Online at the official launch of the Despite Automobile Museum, Mr Nketiah said such private sector-led initiatives are critical to countering what he called a long-standing erosion of African culture in favour of foreign influences.
“The unfortunate reality is that our children grow up knowing more about Western history than their own. Museums such as this one give us a chance to change that narrative,” Mr Nketiah said. “This is not just a collection of cars. It is a collection of stories—of progress, of ingenuity, and of our place in a global world.”
The Despite Automobile Museum, located in Accra, showcases an impressive collection of vintage and classic vehicles, with some dating back nearly a century to 1929. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the evolution of the global automobile industry, as well as Ghana’s own connection to transportation history.
Mr Nketiah used the occasion to challenge other Ghanaian entrepreneurs to invest in similar cultural and educational spaces, arguing that museums are not luxuries for the elite but vital tools for national development and self-awareness.
“Our civilisation cannot thrive on borrowed identity,” he said. “Museums like this help the youth see value in their roots and realise that Africa has always contributed to global advancement, whether in innovation, resilience, or culture.”
The launch event attracted a diverse array of high-profile personalities, including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and celebrated hiplife artist Sarkodie. The ceremony blended heritage and glamour, echoing the museum’s mission to bridge the past and present.
Dr Osei Kwame Despite, the media and business mogul behind the initiative, did not speak publicly at the event but was visibly proud as guests toured the museum’s curated displays of luxury and antique vehicles. The museum adds to his already vast contributions in media, agriculture, and philanthropy.
While Ghana has a number of national museums, many are underfunded and lack regular patronage. Mr Nketiah believes that private investment can fill the gap providing immersive, interactive experiences that engage young minds and spark national pride.
“This museum is a statement,” he added. “It says that we, as Africans, have stories worth telling and preserving. I hope more business leaders will take this path and help secure our legacy.”
As the museum opens its doors to the public, it is expected to become both a cultural attraction and an educational hub. In a country where historical knowledge is often undervalued, the launch may mark a turning point in how Ghanaian heritage is celebrated, remembered, and taught to future generations.
