Who is Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong?
Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong is a Ghanaian entrepreneur, industrialist, real estate magnate, and media investor whose business journey began in the early 1990s with a modest import and trading enterprise and has since grown into one of the most diversified private business empires in West Africa.
He is the founder and CEO of the Special Group of Companies, an umbrella covering Special Ice Company Limited, Special Investments Ltd, Special Homes Ltd, and other subsidiaries. He is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest men in Ghana, with an estimated net worth of $600 million.
He rose to national fame primarily through Special Ice Company Limited, which became one of Ghana’s leading producers of natural mineral water and carbonated soft drinks, winning the Best Mineral Water award in Ghana for both 2013 and 2014.
He is also known for his close and long-standing friendship and business partnership with fellow Ghanaian business mogul Osei Kwame Despite, with whom he co-founded United Television (UTV), U2 Salt Limited, and Best Point Savings and Loans. In Ghana, he is popularly referred to as “Despite’s brother” a nickname that speaks to both the depth of their personal bond and the intertwining of their business ventures.
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Ernest Ofori Sarpong: History · Bio · Photo
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Full Name: | Ernest Ofori Sarpong |
| Born: | May 5, 1966 |
| Age: | 60 years old |
| Birthplace: | Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana |
| Nationality: | Ghanaian |
| Occupation: | Entrepreneur · Industrialist · Investor · Philanthropist |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Spouse: | Serwaa Ofori Sarpong |
| Children: | Cindy Ofori Sarpong · Mandy Ofori Sarpong · (Third daughter, name not publicly disclosed) |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Net Worth: | Estimated $600 million |
Early Life
Ernest Ofori Sarpong was born on May 5, 1966, in the city of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Kumasi Ghana’s second-largest city and the historic seat of the Ashanti Kingdom is known as a hub of commerce, trade, and cultural pride.
Growing up in this environment instilled in young Ernest an early appreciation for business, industry, and enterprise that would later define his entire professional life.
Dr Ofori Sarpong hails from a family with a strong entrepreneurial background. From a young age, he was exposed to the rhythms of business watching family members engage in trade and commerce and absorbing the values of hard work, discipline, and financial prudence that would become the bedrock of his future success. His family background meant that entrepreneurship was not just an aspiration; it was a natural path.
As a young man growing up in Kumasi, Ernest demonstrated academic aptitude and intellectual curiosity alongside his business instincts. He was driven, focused, and possessed of an unusual clarity of vision about what he wanted to achieve.
He has acknowledged in interviews that his original childhood dream was to become a medical doctor a profession that commanded enormous respect and admiration in Ghanaian society but the pull of the family’s commercial tradition and the encouragement of his loved ones redirected his path toward business. It is a turn of events that Ghana’s economy has benefited from enormously ever since.
He belongs to the Akan ethnic group specifically the Ashanti sub-group which is the largest ethnic group in Ghana and is traditionally associated with trade, gold, and a rich cultural heritage. His Ashanti roots have remained a source of deep pride and cultural identity throughout his life, even as his business career took him across continents.
Education
Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong’s educational journey reflects both the breadth of his intellectual interests and the rigour with which he prepared himself for a life in business.
He received his secondary education at the prestigious Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) in Accra one of the most celebrated and competitive secondary schools in Ghana, widely acknowledged as a leading institution that has produced some of Ghana’s finest minds across law, business, medicine, and public service. His time at PRESEC left a lasting impression on him; decades later, he would give back to his alma mater in a significant and memorable way.
Following his secondary education, he pursued tertiary studies in two directions. He obtained a Certificate in Accounting from the University of Ghana, Legon one of Africa’s foremost universities equipping him with foundational financial literacy and professional accounting skills.
He also studied at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, where he pursued a degree in Business Administration, deepening his understanding of management, strategy, and organisational behaviour.
Driven by a desire to compete on the global stage, Ernest subsequently travelled to the United Kingdom, where he enrolled at the University of Salford in Manchester. There, he earned a prestigious Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Finance and Investment Management an advanced qualification that gave him the theoretical framework and analytical toolkit needed to navigate complex international financial environments. His time in Manchester also broadened his worldview and exposed him to global business practices, networks, and standards that he would later bring back to Ghana.
In recognition of his transformative contributions to Ghana’s socio-economic development, Dr Ofori Sarpong was later awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Philosophy in Law by Barkley University in the United States of America.
He is also a Chartered Accountant and an Honorary Member of the Ghana Institute of Journalism. These qualifications and honours reflect a man who has never stopped learning, growing, and pushing the boundaries of his intellectual and professional development.
In 2020, Dr Ofori Sarpong demonstrated his gratitude for his secondary school education in a spectacular fashion by personally funding the construction of an ultramodern, multi-million-dollar astroturf at PRESEC (Legon).
The world-class sports facility was a gift to the institution that helped shape him, and it stood as a powerful symbol of his belief that giving back to the educational institutions that nurture future generations is both a moral responsibility and a smart investment in Ghana’s future.
Career
The Humble Beginnings: Sarpong Ventures Ltd
Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong’s entrepreneurial journey did not begin with a blank cheque or a silver spoon. It began in the early 1990s with the founding of Sarpong Ventures Ltd a small import and trading business based in Accra.
Starting with limited resources but boundless determination, he threw himself into the daily grind of trading, building relationships with suppliers and customers, managing cash flow, and navigating the unpredictable terrain of Ghana’s informal and formal commercial sectors.
Working tirelessly from his base in the Central District of Accra, Sarpong quickly built a reputation for reliability, integrity, and sharp business judgment. Word spread, and within a relatively short period, his trading enterprise had grown beyond modest beginnings into a recognised name in his commercial district.
This early success was not accidental. It was the product of deliberate choices: surrounding himself with competent people, maintaining strict financial discipline, and always keeping his eyes fixed on the next opportunity.
Special Investments Ltd: Real Estate and Construction
Building on the success of his trading business, Dr Ofori Sarpong expanded into real estate and construction by establishing Special Investments Ltd. This venture would grow to become one of the largest real estate portfolios in Ghana. Special Investments Ltd specialises in the development and management of commercial and residential properties, with numerous estate houses, apartments, office complexes, and shops situated in strategic locations across Accra and other major Ghanaian cities.
His entry into real estate was prescient. As Ghana’s population grew and urbanisation accelerated throughout the 2000s, the demand for quality housing and commercial space surged. Dr Ofori Sarpong’s strategic positioning in this sector meant that Special Investments Ltd was well placed to capitalise on the boom, and its portfolio expanded rapidly. The company’s properties are known for their quality construction, strategic locations, and professional management.
Special Ice Company Limited: The Flagship Enterprise
Of all Dr Ofori Sarpong’s business ventures, Special Ice Company Limited is undoubtedly the most iconic and the one most closely associated with his public identity. Established in 2011 with production facilities in both Accra and Kumasi, Special Ice Company Limited is a leading producer of natural mineral water and carbonated soft drinks in Ghana. The company produces a range of beverages that have become staple household names across the country, known for their purity, quality, and taste.
Under Dr Ofori Sarpong’s visionary leadership, Special Ice grew at a remarkable pace. In the very early years of its existence, the company won the Best Mineral Water award in Ghana for both 2013 and 2014 an extraordinary achievement for a relatively young company, and a testament to the founder’s uncompromising commitment to product quality and consumer satisfaction. Special Ice has since expanded its product range to include carbonated soft drinks, broadening its market reach and deepening its penetration of Ghana’s beverage industry.
The company operates out of two state-of-the-art factories and has created thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. It is widely regarded as a flagship example of what indigenous Ghanaian entrepreneurship, when properly resourced and managed, can achieve in the manufacturing sector.
United 2 Co. Ltd: UTV, U2 Salt, and Best Point Savings
One of the most celebrated chapters of Dr Ofori Sarpong’s business career is his long-standing partnership with fellow Ghanaian billionaire Osei Kwame Despite. The two men, who are described as being as close as brothers, co-founded United 2 Co. Ltd a holding company that serves as the umbrella for several major joint ventures.
U2 Salt Limited is a 600-acre salt mining company with a refinery located at Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana. Salt is a fundamental commodity in Ghana’s food and industrial sectors, and U2 Salt has established itself as one of the country’s leading producers of iodised salt contributing to public health by ensuring access to iodine-fortified salt across the country.
United Television Ghana (UTV) is one of the most-watched television stations in Ghana. Launched as part of the Despite Media Group in partnership with Dr Ofori Sarpong, UTV has become a dominant force in Ghanaian entertainment, journalism, and information. The station is known for its popular local programming, news broadcasts, and cultural content that resonates deeply with Ghanaian audiences. Dr Ofori Sarpong played a crucial role as a co-founding partner, and his investment and oversight helped drive UTV to its status as one of the top-rated TV stations in the country.
Best Point Savings and Loans Co. Ltd rounds out the United 2 joint venture portfolio. Co-founded with Osei Kwame Despite, Best Point Savings and Loans has grown to become the leading and most popular savings and loans company in Ghana. Dr Ofori Sarpong served as Board Chairman for over eight years, during which time his strategic direction and financial stewardship helped transform the institution from a promising startup into a dominant player in Ghana’s microfinance and retail banking sector. The institution serves thousands of individual and business customers across Ghana, providing savings, loan, and investment products that have contributed to the financial inclusion of many Ghanaians.
Special Homes Ltd: Residential Real Estate
In addition to Special Investments Ltd, Dr Ofori Sarpong is the sole owner of Special Home Company Limited, which specialises in residential property development. The company’s flagship project is Special Gardens at Oyarifa, a residential estate consisting of over 300 housing units. Located in Oyarifa, a growing residential community on the outskirts of Accra, Special Gardens represents a flagship example of quality, affordable residential development in Ghana’s booming housing market.
Odadee Global: Championing PRESEC Alumni
Beyond his commercial enterprises, Dr Ofori Sarpong serves as the Global President of Ɔdadeɛ Global the worldwide alumni association of the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC). In this role, he champions the interests, development, and global network of PRESEC old boys, organising events, mentorship programmes, and fundraising initiatives that benefit both current students and alumni. His leadership of Ɔdadeɛ Global is an expression of his deep loyalty to his alma mater and his belief that educational institutions must be supported by those who have benefited from them.
COVID-19 Philanthropy and Public Service
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Ofori Sarpong stepped forward as a public servant and philanthropist. He served on Ghana’s National COVID-19 Trust Fund, contributing to the national response effort and helping to mobilise resources for healthcare, public education, and relief for affected communities. His involvement in the Trust Fund reflected the broader ethos of his philanthropic work the belief that those who have been blessed with success have a responsibility to protect and uplift the communities that made their success possible.
Harvard’s Africa Development Conference (2025)
In a reflection of his growing stature as a global thought leader on African entrepreneurship, Dr Ofori Sarpong was invited to serve as a Guest Speaker at Harvard University’s Africa Development Conference (ADC) in April 2025. Speaking to students, academics, and policy makers from across the world, he shared insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and Africa’s economic transformation. He urged attendees including Harvard’s brightest students to commit themselves to leading Africa’s economic transformation, positioning the continent’s youth as the key drivers of its future prosperity.
Awards and Nominations
- Best Mineral Water Award, Ghana (2013) Special Ice Company Limited
- Best Mineral Water Award, Ghana (2014) Special Ice Company Limited
- Best Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year (2013) Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana
- Best Ashanti Region Business Icon of the Year (2017) Ghana Quality Awards
- Leadership and Strategy Award (2018) Ghana Manufacturing Awards
- Ultimate Man of the Year Best Businessman of the Year (2019) EMY Africa Awards
- Peristrofi World Honorary International Award Honorary Ambassador of Business Entrepreneurship in West Africa
- Honorary Doctorate Degree of Philosophy in Law Barkley University, United States of America
- GNCCI Businessman of the Year Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Life Icons Award Head of State Award Scheme, Ghana
- Outstanding Citizen of the State of Georgia, USA (April 14, 2025) Formally proclaimed at the Georgia State Capitol, Atlanta; signed by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger; designated as Goodwill Ambassador of Georgia to the world
- Honorary Member Ghana Institute of Journalism
Social Media
Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong maintains a presence on social media, though he is known to keep a relatively low profile compared to some of Ghana’s other prominent entrepreneurs. His social media activity offers glimpses into his professional milestones, philanthropic work, and personal celebrations.
- Instagram: He maintains an Instagram presence where personal and professional updates, family milestones, and business achievements are occasionally shared. His page has attracted a growing following of admirers, business enthusiasts, and fans of Ghana’s entrepreneurial community.
- Twitter / X: Dr Ofori Sarpong is active on Twitter/X, where announcements about his business ventures, award wins, and philanthropic activities are shared. His profile has been referenced by major Ghanaian media outlets including UTV Ghana’s official X page.
- Facebook: He has a presence on Facebook, where updates about Special Ice and other ventures are occasionally posted. Facebook remains an important platform for reaching older Ghanaian audiences and diaspora communities.
Given his stature, Dr Ofori Sarpong’s social media following continues to grow steadily. His pages are followed by business enthusiasts, PRESEC alumni, entrepreneurs, and Ghanaians both at home and in the diaspora who look to him as a role model and source of inspiration.
Personal Life
Marriage to Serwaa Ofori Sarpong
Behind every great man, as the saying goes, there is often a great partner and in Dr Ofori Sarpong’s case, that partner is his beloved wife, Serwaa Ofori Sarpong. The couple have been married for over three decades, and their love story has an endearing simplicity to it. In an interview on Joy FM’s Personality Profile programme, Dr Ofori Sarpong revealed that he married Serwaa after just three to four months of dating.
He narrated how he came to know Serwaa through her elder sister, and how he was immediately captivated by her. At the time, Serwaa was based in London and only visited Ghana periodically for holidays. When she came on one such visit, Dr Ofori Sarpong made up his mind decisively. He described the moment with characteristic directness, saying he told himself: “No, I won’t let you go back again. You are my life partner.” They dated briefly and were soon married a decision that has stood the test of time magnificently.
Serwaa Ofori Sarpong has remained largely out of the public spotlight throughout her husband’s rise to prominence. She is known for her quiet elegance, unwavering support, and devoted role as a mother. She first came to wider public attention when she appeared at the lavish wedding of their eldest daughter, Cindy Ofori Sarpong, in October 2020. Videos from the event showed Serwaa to be a stylish, graceful, and clearly joyful mother, warmly celebrated by those who attended. Ghanaians were charmed by her warmth and elegance, and she quickly became a subject of admiration across social media.
Children
Dr Ofori Sarpong and Serwaa are the proud parents of three daughters. Their eldest daughter, Cindy Ofori Sarpong, married Richard Pepera in a breathtaking wedding ceremony held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra on October 10, 2020. The event was attended by some of Ghana’s most prominent personalities and was widely covered by the Ghanaian media as one of the grandest society weddings of that year. Cindy and Richard have since had two children together, making Dr Ofori Sarpong a grandfather.
His second daughter is Mandy Ofori Sarpong, while the name of his third daughter has not been publicly disclosed, as the family has chosen to keep her away from the spotlight. This decision reflects the broader approach of the Ofori Sarpong family: a deliberate preference for privacy in personal matters, even as Dr Ofori Sarpong’s professional life remains very public.
Relationship with Osei Kwame Despite
One of the most notable aspects of Dr Ofori Sarpong’s personal and professional life is his extraordinary friendship with Osei Kwame Despite, the founder of the Despite Group of Companies and one of Ghana’s wealthiest and most respected businessmen. The two men share a bond that goes far beyond business partnership they are widely described as brothers in spirit, if not by blood. Their joint ventures in UTV, U2 Salt, and Best Point Savings and Loans are among the most successful business collaborations in Ghanaian corporate history. They are frequently seen together at major national events, award ceremonies, and business forums, and their mutual loyalty and respect for each other is a widely admired feature of Ghana’s business community.
Lifestyle and Assets
As a man of considerable wealth, Dr Ofori Sarpong leads a life that reflects his success. He is known to reside in a mansion in Accra estimated to be worth $20 million a palatial property befitting his status as one of Ghana’s most successful entrepreneurs. His fleet of luxury automobiles includes a Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, and several other high-end vehicles, all reportedly bearing customised number plates. Despite his immense wealth, he is widely described by those who know him personally as a man of warmth, humility, and genuine care for others qualities that have made him beloved in Ghana’s business and social circles.
East Legon Executive Fitness Club
Dr Ofori Sarpong is the President of the East Legon Executive Fitness Club a prominent social and wellness club in Accra’s upscale East Legon neighbourhood. The club, which counts many of Ghana’s leading business figures among its members, serves as a venue for fitness, networking, and camaraderie. Members of the club are known to gather annually to celebrate Dr Ofori Sarpong’s birthday on May 5 a tradition that speaks to the warmth and affection with which he is regarded by his peers.
Net Worth
Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $600 million, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Ghana and among the most affluent entrepreneurs in West Africa. His fortune is entirely self-made, built through decades of disciplined entrepreneurship, strategic diversification, and smart financial management.
His primary sources of wealth include revenue from Special Ice Company Limited, which dominates a significant share of Ghana’s bottled water and soft drinks market; income from Special Investments Ltd, one of the largest real estate portfolios in Ghana; returns from his stake in United Television (UTV Ghana), one of the country’s most profitable media properties; revenue from U2 Salt Limited, a major salt mining and refining enterprise; dividends and income from his co-ownership of Best Point Savings and Loans, Ghana’s leading savings and loans institution; and returns from Special Homes Ltd, including the flagship Special Gardens residential estate at Oyarifa.
Forbes and other financial media have noted his trajectory from a small import trader to a $600 million industrialist as one of the most inspiring self-made success stories in modern African business history. His wealth continues to grow as his companies expand their market reach and his brand diversifies into new sectors.
FAQs
Who is Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong?
Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong is a Ghanaian entrepreneur, industrialist, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of the Special Group of Companies, which includes Special Ice Company Limited, Special Investments Ltd, and Special Homes Ltd. He is also co-founder of UTV Ghana, U2 Salt Limited, and Best Point Savings and Loans.
When was Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong born?
He was born on May 5, 1966, in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana.
What is Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong known for?
He is best known as the founder and CEO of Special Ice Company Limited, one of Ghana’s leading mineral water and soft drinks producers. He is also known for co-founding United Television (UTV Ghana) and Best Point Savings and Loans with business mogul Osei Kwame Despite.
Who is Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong’s wife?
His wife is Serwaa Ofori Sarpong. They have been married for over 30 years after dating for just three to four months. Serwaa is known for maintaining a private lifestyle away from the public eye.
How many children does Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong have?
He has three daughters: Cindy Ofori Sarpong, Mandy Ofori Sarpong, and a third daughter whose name has not been publicly disclosed. His eldest daughter Cindy married Richard Pepera in October 2020 and has two children.
What is Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at approximately $600 million, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Ghana. His wealth comes from his diversified business empire spanning beverages, real estate, media, salt mining, and financial services.
What school did Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong attend?
He attended Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) for his secondary education. He obtained a Certificate in Accounting from the University of Ghana, Legon, studied Business Administration at KNUST Kumasi, and earned an MSc in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
What is the Special Group of Companies?
The Special Group of Companies is the collective name for Dr Ofori Sarpong’s portfolio of businesses, including Special Ice Company Ltd (mineral water and soft drinks), Special Investments Ltd (real estate), and Special Homes Ltd (residential property development).
Is Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong related to Osei Kwame Despite?
They are not related by blood, but they share an extremely close friendship and are described as being as close as brothers. They have jointly co-founded several major businesses including UTV Ghana, U2 Salt Limited, and Best Point Savings and Loans.
What award did Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong receive in the USA in 2025?
On April 14, 2025, Dr Ofori Sarpong was honoured with a distinguished proclamation as an Outstanding Citizen of the State of Georgia at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. The proclamation was signed by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and he was also designated as a Goodwill Ambassador of Georgia to the international community.
What is Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong’s role at PRESEC?
He serves as the Global President of Ɔdadeɛ Global, the worldwide alumni association of Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC). In 2020, he personally funded the construction of a multi-million-dollar ultramodern astroturf at PRESEC Legon as a gift to his alma mater.
Conclusion
Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong’s life is a masterclass in what can be achieved when ambition, discipline, integrity, and a deep commitment to service are channelled purposefully over decades. From a young boy with big dreams growing up in Kumasi, to a self-made billionaire who has created over 3,000 jobs, built some of Ghana’s most recognised brands, co-founded a top television station, and been honoured on the floor of a US state legislature his journey is nothing short of remarkable.
What makes Dr Ofori Sarpong’s story particularly compelling is not just the scale of his financial success, but the depth of his character. He has remained grounded, generous, and community-oriented throughout his rise. Whether funding an astroturf for his old school, serving on a national COVID-19 relief fund, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or speaking at Harvard about Africa’s economic future, he consistently uses his platform and resources to lift others along with him.
As he continues to expand the Special Group of Companies, deepen the impact of his joint ventures with Osei Kwame Despite, and lead Ɔdadeɛ Global in empowering the next generation of PRESEC alumni, one thing is certain: Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong is far more than a wealthy businessman. He is a nation builder, a mentor, a philanthropist, and one of the most inspiring entrepreneurial voices in contemporary Africa. His story will continue to motivate generations of young Ghanaians and Africans who dream of building something great from the ground up.
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