In the quiet elegance of his Accra office, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong Chief Executive Officer of Special Ice Company Limited, Special Investments Ltd., and Special Homes Ltd. Sat with a poise that mirrors his influence on Ghana’s private sector. Behind the warm smile and calm tone lies one of Ghana’s most respected business minds, an industrialist whose entrepreneurial journey has shaped multiple sectors, from manufacturing and real estate to finance and media.
Our conversation was not just about business. It was about vision, discipline, and the belief that ethical leadership can transform nations.
“My motivation has always been simple if you build with integrity, you can build something that lasts.”
Dr. Ofori Sarpong’s early years at PRESEC Legon sharpened his competitive edge and instilled the discipline that still defines him today. His academic pursuit in business and finance later shaped his career path, but he insists the foundation of his success comes from something deeper.
“You cannot lead others if you cannot first lead yourself. Discipline begins with the small things.”
With a Masters Degree in Finance and Investment Management from the Salford University in Manchester U.K and also a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana.
Dr. Ernest Ofori-Sarpong is an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management Ghana and an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Tax Law and Forensic Accountants. He currently serves as the Global Chairman and Board Chairman of PRESEC–Legon.
Special Ice Company Limited, one of the most recognizable Ghanaian brands today, began with one idea access to clean, well packaged drinking water.
“Ghanaians deserves quality,” he emphasized repeatedly during the interview.
From a modest start, Special Ice has expanded into a multi-plant operation, providing employment to thousands and becoming a household name across the country.
“We didn’t just start a water company. We started a movement of quality assurance in the beverage industry.”
Under his leadership, the company has also diversified into juices and beverages, embracing modern technologies and strict health standards.
With a keen eye for long term development, Dr. Ofori Sarpong ventured into construction and real estate through Special Investments Ltd. and Special Homes Ltd.
These companies now craft premium residential and commercial properties, combining modern architectural elegance with structural integrity.
“Quality infrastructure contributes directly to nation building,” he explained.
“Good housing changes how people live, work, and dream.”
His real estate firms have become known for delivering projects that meet both local and international standards, helping to shape modern Ghana’s skyline.
Across his companies, Dr. Ofori Sarpong has contributed to the creation of thousands of jobs. But he refuses to measure success merely by numbers.
“A job is not just employment; it is dignity. It is the ability for someone to take care of their family with pride.”
He has also been instrumental in founding landmark institutions such as Best Point Savings and Loans, U2 Salt Ltd., and United Television (UTV) each playing an important role in finance, industry, and media respectively.
These ventures, he notes, are rooted in strong corporate ethics.
“Business without ethics is a ticking time bomb. Ghana needs companies that win through integrity, not shortcuts.”
Dr. Ofori Sarpong’s philanthropic work is extensive yet quietly executed. From supporting education and healthcare to assisting faith based and community development projects, he views giving back as a moral duty.
He describes philanthropy as “an obligation, not an event.”
A notable champion of youth empowerment, he recently donated laptops to University of Ghana as well as Presec Legon.
When asked about the next decade, Dr. Ofori Sarpong offered a clear, forward looking perspective.
“Ghana’s future depends on industrial courage people willing to invest, innovate, and stay the course even when it gets tough.”
He highlighted the importance of technology, the need for government private sector collaboration, and the rising potential of Ghanaian youth.
His final words were both inspiring and prophetic:
“If we believe in ourselves as Ghanaians, we will build companies that the world will respect. The future is ours to claim.”
The story of Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong is not the story of one man’s success it is the story of what is possible when vision meets discipline, ethics meet enterprise, and leadership meets responsibility.
His journey continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders determined to push Ghana forward.
Story By: Nii Okpoti Odamtten
