Ghanaian Billionaire Ofori Sarpong Celebrates 60th Birthday with 600-Bed Dormitory Donation

Key facts

• Ernest Ofori Sarpong turned 60 on May 5, 2026.
• He donated a 600-bed, two-storey dormitory to PRESEC-Legon.
• Osei Kwame Despite, his friend of 40 years, praised him in a video message.
• Despite said they have never had a fight in their 40-year friendship.
• Singer Mzbel called for more billionaires to emulate Sarpong's philanthropy.
• In 2025, Sarpong donated laptops to the University of Ghana and PRESEC.
• Sarpong is Chairman of Special Group of Companies.
• Despite is founder of Despite Media, UTV's parent company.

A Birthday Gift to a Nation

Ernest Ofori Sarpong, the 60-year-old chairman of the Special Group of Companies, has marked his milestone birthday with a philanthropic gesture that underscores his reputation as one of Ghana's most generous billionaires. On May 5, 2026, Sarpong commissioned a two-storey dormitory at the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC) in Legon, his alma mater, capable of housing 600 students. The donation, which includes an ultra-modern design, is the latest in a series of educational contributions from Sarpong. In 2025, he provided laptops to both the University of Ghana and PRESEC, reinforcing his commitment to addressing societal challenges through targeted support.

A 40-Year Brotherhood Praised

Osei Kwame Despite, the founder of Despite Media and a close friend and business partner of Sarpong, released a video message ahead of the birthday celebrations. In it, he described their 40-year friendship as a divine blessing, noting that the two have never had a single quarrel. 'All I am is because of Ofori Sarpong,' Despite said, attributing their enduring bond to God's grace. Despite's tribute highlighted Sarpong's pivotal role in his own success, a sentiment that resonated widely. The two billionaires are often seen together, leading singer Mzbel to humorously confess on UTV's United Showbiz on May 2 that she once believed they were twins.

Public Figures Join the Praise

On the same show, Mzbel, known for her hit '16 Years,' called Sarpong a 'billionaire worth his salt' and urged other wealthy Ghanaians to emulate his philanthropy. 'Ghana would be much better if more billionaires followed his example,' she said, earning widespread online approval. The birthday festivities also drew other notable figures. Stephen Appiah's wife made a striking appearance at the celebration, while Tracy Osei, wife of Kennedy Osei, made a rare public appearance, stealing the spotlight. Videos of the events circulated widely on social media, amplifying the public's interest in Sarpong's legacy.

A Legacy of Generosity

Sarpong's philanthropic footprint extends beyond education into healthcare and faith-based initiatives, cementing his status as one of Ghana's most generous wealthy individuals. His 60th birthday was marked by multiple events, including the dormitory handover and a lavish celebration where he reportedly spent nearly $1 million on a 2026 Rolls-Royce. The businessman's commitment to giving back has drawn comparisons to other philanthropists, but his focus on his alma mater and public institutions sets him apart. The dormitory at PRESEC is expected to alleviate overcrowding and improve living conditions for students.

What Comes Next

As Sarpong enters his seventh decade, the question remains whether his philanthropic model will inspire a broader culture of giving among Ghana's elite. Mzbel's call for emulation reflects a public desire for more billionaires to follow suit. For now, Sarpong's birthday has become a moment of national reflection on the role of wealth in societal development. The dormitory stands as a tangible legacy, while the videos and messages from friends and admirers underscore the personal impact of a man who, as Despite put it, is the foundation of his own success.

The bottom line

• Ernest Ofori Sarpong donated a 600-bed dormitory to PRESEC-Legon for his 60th birthday.
• Osei Kwame Despite credited Sarpong for his success in a 40-year friendship without conflict.
• Singer Mzbel publicly praised Sarpong's philanthropy and urged other billionaires to emulate him.
• Sarpong's past donations include laptops to the University of Ghana and PRESEC in 2025.
• The birthday celebration featured rare public appearances by Tracy Osei and Stephen Appiah's wife.
• Sarpong's philanthropy spans education, healthcare, and faith-based initiatives.