Assistant Commissioner of Police and celebrated gospel musician, ACP Kofi Sarpong, has revealed his humble beginnings and the adversity he overcame to become the successful figure he is today.
Speaking on The Career Trail show on Joy Learning TV and Joy News, ACP Sarpong recounted how poverty nearly derailed his education and dreams.
Growing up in a financially challenged household, he described how his mother’s small income was stretched thin, caring not only for her own children but also for several orphans. “I dropped out of school about three to four times because the school fees were difficult to pay,” he shared.
Determined not to become another dropout statistic, a young Kofi Sarpong took matters into his own hands at the age of 13. He began preparing and selling various types of kenkey — Ga, Fante, and others — to support his education. “There is no kenkey that I do not know how it’s prepared,” he said with a mix of pride and nostalgia.
However, his entrepreneurial venture came with emotional challenges. Selling kenkey at lorry parks and bus stations exposed him to ridicule and embarrassment. He recalled hiding behind vehicles to avoid being seen by his schoolmates. “They would make sure they had seen that I was selling kenkey,” he recounted, noting how painful yet character-building those moments were.
The demands of balancing school and business also took a toll. ACP Sarpong often arrived at school late after early morning sales rounds, which led to frequent punishments. But he never gave up, driven by a clear purpose and vision for his future.
His perseverance paid off. The income from his kenkey business allowed him to complete his secondary education at Berekum Senior High School. Eventually, he joined the Ghana Police Service, where he rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Commissioner. Alongside his policing career, he established himself as a leading gospel musician and even ventured into fashion entrepreneurship.
Now a symbol of hope and determination, ACP Kofi Sarpong uses his story to motivate young people. “Never let your present situation weigh you down,” he urged. “Keep pushing. Never be despaired. Move on.”
Asked whether he would ever return to the kenkey business, he responded with a smile, “One should not be surprised if you hear ‘Kofi Sarpong Kenkey House.’”
His journey from street vendor to national figure stands as a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and hard work.
