Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong Marks 60th Birthday with 600-Bed Dormitory Donation to PRESEC-Legon

Key facts

• Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong turned 60 on May 5, 2026.
• He donated a two-storey dormitory with 600 beds to PRESEC-Legon, his alma mater.
• Osei Kwame Despite praised Sarpong in a video message, revealing a 40-year friendship without any fights.
• In 2025, Sarpong donated laptops to the University of Ghana and PRESEC-Legon.
• Mzbel praised Sarpong on United Showbiz (UTV) on May 2, 2026, calling for more billionaires to emulate his philanthropy.
• Sarpong is Chairman of Special Group of Companies, which includes Special Ice Group.

A Birthday Gift That Reshapes a School

Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, founder of the Special Ice Group of Companies, celebrated his 60th birthday on May 5, 2026, by handing over an ultra-modern two-storey dormitory to the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC) in Legon. The facility, which can accommodate 600 students, stands as a tangible expression of the businessman's long-standing commitment to education. The donation is the latest in a series of philanthropic acts that have defined Sarpong's public profile. In 2025, he provided laptops to both the University of Ghana and PRESEC-Legon, his alma mater, underscoring a consistent focus on solving societal problems through targeted support.

A Friendship Forged Over Four Decades

In a video message released ahead of the dormitory commissioning, Osei Kwame Despite, founder of Despite Media and a billionaire in his own right, offered a rare glimpse into the personal bond he shares with Sarpong. Despite revealed that their friendship spans nearly 40 years, marked by an absence of any serious disagreements—a fact he attributes to divine blessing. Despite, who often refers to Sarpong as his best friend, prayed for a longer life and continued blessings for the celebrant. The two businessmen have been inseparable in the public eye, leading singer Mzbel to admit on United Showbiz that she once mistook them for twins.

Philanthropy as a Model for Ghana’s Wealthy

Mzbel, appearing on UTV's United Showbiz on May 2, 2026, used the platform to praise Sarpong's philanthropic approach. She argued that Ghana would be a better place if more billionaires followed his example, a sentiment that resonated widely online. Sarpong's charitable footprint extends beyond education into healthcare and faith-based initiatives. His consistent pattern of giving has earned him a reputation as one of Ghana's most generous wealthy individuals, a status that his 60th birthday celebrations have only amplified.

A Milestone Marked by Impact, Not Just Celebration

The 60th birthday events for Sarpong have been structured to highlight his influence and success, with the dormitory donation serving as the centerpiece. The commissioning drew attention from across the country, with many noting the scale of the gift—a 600-bed facility that addresses a critical need for student housing at one of Ghana's most prestigious secondary schools. Sarpong's business empire, the Special Group of Companies, has provided the financial foundation for such largesse. Yet those close to him emphasize that his giving is driven by a personal philosophy of ethical leadership and discipline, which he has described as essential pillars for national development.

The Wider Context: Billionaire Philanthropy in Ghana

Sarpong's donation comes at a time when the role of wealthy individuals in addressing public infrastructure gaps is a subject of intense debate in Ghana. While some billionaires have faced criticism for ostentatious spending, Sarpong's approach—tying personal milestones to community investment—has drawn widespread approval. His friendship with Despite, who also engages in philanthropy through his media and business interests, has created a powerful narrative of collaboration among Ghana's elite. The two have been known to support each other's ventures, and their long-standing partnership serves as a model for how business leaders can amplify their social impact.

What Comes Next: Legacy and Expectations

With the dormitory now operational, attention turns to whether Sarpong will maintain his pace of giving. His 2025 laptop donations and the current housing project suggest a sustained commitment to education, but the scale of the birthday gift has raised expectations for future initiatives. For now, the focus remains on the celebration of a life that has blended business success with a clear sense of social responsibility. As Sarpong enters his seventh decade, the question is not whether he will continue to give, but how his example will influence the next generation of Ghanaian philanthropists.

The bottom line

• Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong donated a 600-bed dormitory to PRESEC-Legon for his 60th birthday on May 5, 2026.
• Osei Kwame Despite revealed a 40-year friendship with Sarpong, marked by no conflicts.
• Sarpong previously donated laptops to the University of Ghana and PRESEC-Legon in 2025.
• Mzbel publicly praised Sarpong's philanthropy, urging other billionaires to emulate him.
• Sarpong's philanthropic focus includes education, healthcare, and faith-based initiatives.
• The birthday celebration highlighted Sarpong's reputation as one of Ghana's most generous billionaires.