The football fraternity, traditional leadership circles and the business community in Ghana are mourning the reported death of former Accra Hearts of Oak Team Manager and Chief Executive Officer and Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi Bonte II, known in private life as Thomas Okine.
Nii Ayi Bonte II, reportedly passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, after a short illness, bringing to an end a distinguished career marked by significant contributions to sports administration, traditional leadership and business development.
Widely respected within Ghanaian football, Nii Ayi Bonte played a pivotal role in the administration of Accra Hearts of Oak during one of the club’s most successful periods. As Team Manager and later Chief Executive Officer, he was part of the leadership team that guided the Phobians to domestic and continental glory, including the club’s historic CAF Champions League triumph in 2000, the CAF Super Cup in 2001 and the inaugural CAF Confederation Cup title in 2004.
His contribution to Hearts of Oak extended beyond administrative duties. Known for his passion, discipline and commitment to excellence, he was instrumental in shaping the club’s professional structures and strengthening its reputation as one of Africa’s most successful football institutions. Former players, supporters and football administrators have often credited him with helping to establish a winning culture during the club’s golden era.
Beyond football, Nii Ayi Bonte II was a revered traditional ruler. He was installed as Gbese Mantse in 2007 and became a prominent figure within the Ga State. During his tenure, he championed community development, cultural preservation and traditional governance. He served on the Judicial Committees of both the Ga Traditional Council and the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, while also contributing to land administration as a Commissioner of the Greater Accra Regional Lands Commission.
An accountant by profession, the late chief was also an accomplished businessman. He founded Lifetime Pharmacy Limited and Savemart Company Limited, enterprises that contributed to private sector growth and employment creation in Ghana.
His passion for sports extended beyond football. Nii Ayi Bonte was actively involved in boxing administration and managed former world boxing champion Joseph Agbeko, while also supporting the promotion of professional boxing in the country.
News of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from football supporters, traditional authorities and members of the business community, many of whom have described him as a visionary leader whose influence transcended the various fields in which he served.
Nii Ayi Bonte II will be remembered for his enduring legacy in Ghanaian football, his dedicated service to the Ga State and his unwavering commitment to community development and national progress.
By: Christian Kpesese
