Ernest Ofori Sarpong Biography: Early Life, Education, Career, Awards and Personal Life (Update ) Latest Update (2026)

Ernest Ofori Sarpong Biography

Ernest Ofori Sarpong is one of Ghana’s most successful and respected businessmen. He is the founder and CEO of the Special Group of Companies and co-owner of several big brands in Ghana, including Special Ice Mineral Water, UTV Ghana, and Best Point Savings and Loans. Born on 5 May 1966 in Kumasi, he started with almost nothing and built a business empire now worth over $600 million.

Many people know him as the close business partner and best friend of Osei Kwame Despite, another Ghanaian millionaire. Together, they have created thousands of jobs and helped grow Ghana’s economy. Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong (he received an honorary doctorate) is also a strong Christian, a family man, and a giver who supports education and health projects. This article tells his real story in a simple and clear way.

Ernest Ofori Sarpong Early Life and Education

Ernest Ofori Sarpong was born and raised in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. He grew up in a normal Ghanaian home where hard work and honesty were important family values. From a young age, he watched his parents do small trading, and this gave him the first lessons in business.

He attended Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC Legon) and completed in 1984. At PRESEC, he was known as a serious and friendly student. The school’s motto “In Thy Light We Shall See Light” stayed with him for life. After PRESEC, he studied accounting at the University of Ghana, Legon, and later travelled to the United Kingdom. There, he obtained a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Finance and Investment Management from Salford University in Manchester. He also became a qualified Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana.

These strong educational steps gave him the knowledge he needed to manage money and grow companies successfully.

Ernest Ofori Sarpong Career

Ernest Ofori Sarpong started his business journey in the early 1990s with a small trading company called Sarpong Ventures Limited in Accra. He imported goods and sold them in Ghana. Because he was honest and worked hard, customers trusted him, and the business grew fast.

In the years that followed, he started many successful companies. Here are some of the main ones:

• Special Ice Limited (2011) – Produces Special Ice Mineral Water. It has factories in Accra and Kumasi and has won several “Best Mineral Water” awards in Ghana.
• Special Investments Limited and Special Homes – Focus on real estate and property development in prime areas of Accra.
• Best Point Savings and Loans Limited – He is the Board Chairman. It is one of the top savings and loans companies in Ghana.
• United Television (UTV Ghana) – Co-owned with Osei Kwame Despite. It is one of the most watched television stations in the country.
• U2 Salt Limited – Another joint company with Despite that produces table salt.
• Best Assurance and Best Pensions – Financial service companies that help Ghanaians save and plan for the future.

Today, the Special Group of Companies employs over 3,000 people directly and many more indirectly. Ernest believes in creating jobs and growing small and medium businesses in Ghana.

Ernest Ofori Sarpong Awards and Recognition

Ernest Ofori Sarpong has received many awards for his hard work and good character. Some important ones include:

• Honorary Doctorate in Law from Barkley University, USA, for his contribution to business and society.
• West Africa Business Ambassador Award by Peristrofi World Honorary International.
• Best Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 by Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana.
• Global Dignity Award for Service to Humanity from the United Nations in New York.
• Keynote speaker at Harvard University’s 16th Annual African Development Conference in April 2026.
• Board Chairman of the prestigious EMY Africa Awards.

These awards show that both Ghana and the world respect his achievements and his kindness.

Ernest Ofori Sarpong Personal Life

Ernest Ofori Sarpong is married to Mrs Serwaa Ofori Sarpong. They got married over 30 years ago after dating for only four months. He often says his wife has been his biggest supporter. Together they have children who are doing well in school and in life.

He is a devoted Christian and a member of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. Faith plays a big role in the decisions he makes in business and family life.

For relaxation, he loves football and exercise. He is the President of the East Legon Executive Fitness Club, a popular gym for top businessmen in Accra. In August 2026, a video of him playing football in Amsterdam went viral because he showed great energy and skill on the field.

Even with all his wealth (luxury cars, beautiful houses, private jets when needed), he remains humble and friendly to everyone.

Philanthropy

Dr Ernest believes that the more you are blessed, the more you must bless others. Some of the ways he gives back include:

• Served on the National COVID-19 Trust Fund in 2020 to help Ghana fight the pandemic.
• Supports PRESEC Legon with major projects, including the new dining hall opened in November 2026.
• Helps young entrepreneurs and women in business through training and funding.
• Funds education and health projects in the Ashanti Region and other parts of Ghana.

His giving is quiet and sincere, not for show.

Conclusion

Ernest Ofori Sarpong’s story is proof that with hard work, honesty, education, and faith, anyone from a normal background can become very successful. From selling goods in Accra in the 1990s to speaking at Harvard University in 2026, he has shown what is possible when you dream big and stay true to good values.

Today, he continues to create jobs, support education, and inspire the next generation of Ghanaian and African leaders. His life teaches us that real success is not only about money; it is about lifting others as you rise.

FAQs

Who is Ernest Ofori Sarpong?

He is a Ghanaian businessman, CEO of Special Group of Companies, and co-owner of UTV Ghana and many other successful companies.

How did Ernest Ofori Sarpong become rich?

He started with a small trading business in the 1990s, stayed honest, worked hard, and kept growing new companies in water, media, finance, and real estate.

What companies does he own?

Special Ice Mineral Water, UTV Ghana, Best Point Savings and Loans, U2 Salt, Special Homes, and others.

Who is his business partner?

His closest business partner and best friend is Osei Kwame Despite.

Is Ernest Ofori Sarpong married?

Yes, he has been happily married to Mrs Serwaa Ofori Sarpong for over 30 years.

Does he have children?

Yes, he has children, but he keeps their personal lives private.

What school did he attend?

Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC Legon), University of Ghana, and Salford University (UK).

What is his net worth?

His business empire is estimated to be worth over $600 million (2026–2026 figures).

Does he do charity work?

Yes, he supports education, health, youth empowerment, and served on Ghana’s COVID-19 Trust Fund.

Where does he live?

He lives in Accra, Ghana, in the East Legon area.