Ernest Ofori Sarpong stands as a prominent Ghanaian entrepreneur and founder of the Special Group of Companies, active in water production, real estate, media, and finance. Born on May 5, 1966, in Kumasi, Ghana, his ventures employ over 3,000 people and span multiple industries.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Ernest Ofori Sarpong (PhD) |
| Date of birth | May 5, 1966 |
| Place of birth | Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana |
| Nationality | Ghanaian |
| Region of Origin | Ashanti Region |
| Partner | Serwaa Ofori Sarpong (married over 30 years) |
| Children | 3 daughters (Cindy – pharmacist, Mandy – lawyer, one medical doctor) |
| Occupations | Businessman, entrepreneur (water, real estate, media, finance, salt) |
| Net worth | Approximately $600 million |
Early Life and Education
Ernest Ofori Sarpong grew up in Kumasi within a Presbyterian family setting. He attended Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (Presec) in Legon for secondary school.
He later obtained a Business Administration degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, and a Master’s in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Salford in the UK.
Career
Sarpong’s career began in the 1990s with Sarpong Ventures Ltd., an import and trading firm in Accra that supported small and medium enterprises (SMEs), reflecting his strong interest in entrepreneurship. He then founded Special Investments Ltd., focusing on real estate and construction, developing numerous estate houses, apartments, office complexes, and shops in prime Accra locations.
In 2011, he established Special Ice Ltd., a leading mineral water producer with factories in Accra and Kumasi that earned Best Mineral Water awards in 2013 and 2014. He also launched Special Homes Ltd. for further property development.
In partnership with Osei Kwame Despite, Sarpong co-founded United 2 Co. Ltd., the holding company for U2 Salt Ltd. (a 600-acre salt mining and refinery operation at Winneba), United Television (UTV Ghana), one of the country’s top stations, and Best Point Savings and Loans Ltd., where he serves as Board Chairman, a key financial institution.
Additional ventures include Best Assurance and Best Pensions for savings and retirement planning. Overall, the Special Group of Companies and affiliates employ over 3,000 directly and more indirectly, boosting Ghana’s economy through job creation and industrial growth.
Personal Life
Sarpong enjoys a long marriage of over 30 years to Serwaa Ofori Sarpong, who offers quiet support behind the scenes. The couple has three daughters: Cindy, a pharmacist; Mandy, a lawyer; and another who works as a medical doctor. A devout Christian from a Presbyterian background, he maintains strong family values.
Philanthropy
Sarpong contributes to the National COVID-19 Trust Fund and supports programs for youth empowerment and sustainable development. He donated a multi-million-dollar astroturf to his alma mater Presec in 2020. During his 2025 keynote at the Oxford Africa Conference, he emphasized opportunities for African youth in entrepreneurship.
Net Worth
Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong holds an estimated net worth of $600 million from his varied enterprises, including Special Ice Ltd., Best Point Savings and Loans, real estate developments, and media operations. His assets feature a $20 million mansion in Accra along with luxury vehicles like Rolls Royce models.
Awards and Recognition
Sarpong was named Honorary Ambassador of Business Entrepreneur in West Africa by the Peristrofi World Honorary International Award.
He received a Doctorate in Philosophy in Law from Barkley University for his socio-economic impact, plus the Best Manufacturing Entrepreneur award in 2013 from the Entrepreneurs Foundation. S
pecial Ice Ltd. claimed Best Mineral Water honors in 2013 and 2014; more recently in 2025, he was celebrated as an Outstanding Citizen at Georgia State Capitol and by the Millennium Excellence Awards for entrepreneurship and social contributions.
