By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
Ghana’s automotive and tourism landscape witnessed a historic moment as the ‘Despite Automobile Museum’, the country’s first world-class automobile museum, was officially inaugurated in East Legon, Accra, by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The grand opening ceremony, held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, marked the public debut of media mogul Osei Kwame Despite’s private collection of rare and luxurious vintage cars, a passion project cultivated over three decades.
This premier destination for car enthusiasts, history lovers, groups and families swaggers with world-class luxurious vintage automobiles to create an unforgettable experience for tourists.
The carefully curated collection showcases some of the world’s most iconic automobiles, each with a rich history and a story to tell.
“Whether you’re here to marvel at classic vintage cars, explore the evolution of luxury and performance, or simply enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, our museum offers something for everyone. Step into a world where innovation meets luxury, and let the spirit of automotive excellence inspire you,” Despite stated.
From vintage masterpieces to sleek, modern marvels, this extraordinary showcase is the first time Dr. Despite’s lifelong passion for automobiles is being shared with the public, and it’s nothing short of breathtaking.
The museum boasts of exclusive collection, including legendary cars never before seen up close in Ghana, with the intention to provide an immersive experience.
A unique feature of this museum that makes it self-exploratory is the digital signage that comes with each vehicle to help visitors discover the stories, craftsmanship, and culture behind each automotive icon.
This unconsciously ensures a dynamic way to explore history, technology, and design through the world of classic and exotic cars for educational purposes. It is an ideal tourist site for school tours, corporate outings, and special occasions.
A Mission in Motion, not just a Museum
To Kwame Despite, this is “More than a museum,” it is “A mission in motion.” The ‘Despite Auto Museum’ was born from his vision as someone whose love for cars began as a boy.
What started as admiration for beautiful machines turned into a lifelong collection, one that has never been shown to the public until now.
“My vision is to create an unforgettable automotive experience that blends education, admiration, and Ghanaian pride. I aim to inspire future generations while celebrating engineering, design, and determination.
“This is not just a place to see cars. It’s a space to feel inspired, to spark imagination, and to show that world-class experiences belong here in Ghana, too,” he indicated.
Luxury Brands & Location
The East Legon-based museum, located at the same site as the erstwhile Lizzy Sports Complex, houses some of the rarest and most celebrated vehicles in automotive history.
It features an impressive mix of antique and luxury automobiles, curated to serve both recreational and educational purposes.
Some of the top cars inside the ‘Despite Automobile Museum’ include a vintage BMW 501 built in 1965, classic Bugattis, a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith LWB, multiple Bentleys, high-end Mercedes-Benz models, Jaguars, and Harley-Davidson motorbikes.
In the sports car category, it features McLaren, Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, etc. It also features modern driving simulators to offer an immersive, hands-on experience for visitors.
The facility also comes with a playground for kids, a sickbay, a recording studio, a bar, an apartment, under underground swimming pool, etc.
