The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has appointed renowned Ghanaian businessman and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Group of Companies, Ernest Ofori Sarpong, as its first Chancellor.
The appointment, which takes effect in August 2026, was approved by the University’s Governing Council at its meeting in May 2026 in accordance with the provisions of the UniMAC Statutes.
Announcing the appointment, the University described Mr Ofori Sarpong as one of Ghana’s most accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders, whose career has been marked by visionary leadership and a strong commitment to national development.
According to the University, he has built and led successful businesses across manufacturing, real estate, finance, construction and media, making significant contributions to private sector growth, job creation and Ghana’s socio-economic development.
The Governing Council said his achievements in business, together with his longstanding support for education, youth empowerment and community development, make him well suited to serve as the University’s inaugural Chancellor.
As Chancellor, Mr Ofori Sarpong will serve as the ceremonial head of UniMAC, providing strategic leadership, promoting the University’s vision, strengthening its engagement with industry and society, and conferring degrees and other academic honours on behalf of the institution.
“The University Governing Council, Management and the entire University community warmly congratulate Mr Ernest Ofori Sarpong on his appointment,” the statement said.
The University expressed confidence that his leadership would deepen collaboration between academia and industry, expand strategic partnerships, enhance UniMAC’s national and international reputation, and strengthen its position as Ghana’s leading institution for media, arts, communication and related disciplines.
Profile of Ernest Ofori Sarpong
Mr Ernest Ofori Sarpong is a Ghanaian entrepreneur, Chartered Accountant, investor and corporate executive with extensive experience in business development, strategic investment and corporate leadership.
He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Group of Companies, a diversified conglomerate with interests in manufacturing, real estate, construction and strategic investments. Under his leadership, the group has grown into one of Ghana’s leading indigenous business enterprises.
Beyond the Special Group, he is a co-owner of several prominent businesses, including United Television (UTV), Best Point Savings and Loans Limited and U2 Salt Limited, where he has played a key role in their establishment and growth.
Professionally, Mr Ofori Sarpong is a Chartered Accountant. He holds a Master of Science degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Salford in the United Kingdom and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration at École Supérieure de Gestion (ESG) in France.
In recognition of his contribution to Ghana’s socio-economic development, he has also been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Law by Barkley University.
Over the course of his career, he has received numerous national and international honours, including recognition as Honorary Ambassador of Business Entrepreneurship in West Africa, the Global Dignity Award for Service to Humanity presented at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and a Proclamation by the Senate of New York recognising his contributions to development.
He is also an Honorary Member of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, 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.
Among his recent awards are the Millennium Excellence Award for Business Entrepreneur of the Year (2025), CEO of the Year – Consumer Drinks at the 9th Ghana CEO Summit (2025), the Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Ghana Greatest Entrepreneur of All Times Award.
Mr Ofori Sarpong has also served on several governing boards and advisory bodies. He is currently Board Chairman of the Governing Council of Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Chairman of the EMY Africa Awards, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana, and Global President of the PRESEC Old Boys Association (PRESEC-ODADEƐ).
He previously served on the National COVID-19 Trust Fund and has chaired the boards of several financial institutions and corporate organisations.
In addition to his business achievements, Mr Ofori Sarpong is widely recognised for his philanthropic work, particularly in youth empowerment, education, community development and humanitarian initiatives.
UniMAC said his appointment as its inaugural Chancellor marks an important milestone in the University’s history and reflects its commitment to strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and society while promoting innovation, excellence and transformational leadership.
