Story By: Felix Ernest Odamtten & Muhammad Faisal Mustapha
The appointment of renowned Ghanaian entrepreneur and corporate leader Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong as the first Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) marks a defining moment in Ghana’s higher education landscape, bringing together academic excellence, private sector leadership and national development under one visionary figure. Effective 1 August 2026, the historic appointment positions one of Ghana’s most accomplished business executives at the ceremonial helm of the country’s premier specialised university for media, arts and communication.
“Universities flourish when academic excellence meets visionary leadership from industry.”
Approved by the University’s Governing Council at its meeting on 26 May 2026 in accordance with the UniMAC Statutes, the appointment reflects the institution’s determination to deepen collaboration between academia and industry at a time when innovation, digital transformation and creative enterprise have become central to Africa’s economic future. It also represents a milestone in the evolution of UniMAC as it strengthens its national influence and international profile.
“The appointment reflects Ghana’s growing recognition that universities and industry must work together to prepare future leaders.”
For decades, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong has built an enviable reputation as one of Ghana’s foremost indigenous entrepreneurs. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Group of Companies, he has overseen investments spanning manufacturing, construction, finance, real estate and media, creating employment opportunities while contributing significantly to Ghana’s industrial growth and private sector development. His business philosophy has consistently combined commercial success with social responsibility, earning widespread admiration within and beyond Ghana.
“This appointment is not merely ceremonial it is a strategic investment in Ghana’s creative and knowledge economy.
His elevation to Chancellor reflects far more than corporate achievement. It recognises a lifetime devoted to educational advancement, youth empowerment, philanthropy and institutional leadership. Throughout his career, he has supported numerous initiatives designed to expand educational opportunities, strengthen community development and nurture future generations of Ghanaian leaders, making him an ideal choice to guide an institution dedicated to developing creative thinkers and communication professionals.
“Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong’s journey demonstrates that entrepreneurial success and public service can advance together.”
As Chancellor, Dr. Ofori Sarpong will serve as the ceremonial head of UniMAC, presiding over graduation ceremonies, conferring academic honours and serving as the University’s foremost ambassador. Beyond these constitutional responsibilities, he is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening partnerships with industry, attracting investment, expanding international collaborations and promoting UniMAC as a continental centre of excellence in media, communication and the creative arts.
The appointment comes at an important stage in UniMAC’s institutional development. Established under Act 1059 of 2020 through the merger of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, the Ghana Institute of Languages and the National Film and Television Institute, the University represents Ghana’s most ambitious effort to consolidate excellence in journalism, communication, languages, film and television education within a single modern institution capable of meeting global industry demands.
Since its establishment, UniMAC has expanded rapidly, strengthening academic programmes, enhancing governance structures and investing in research and innovation. The recent introduction of doctoral studies in Media and Communication underscores the University’s growing academic maturity and determination to position itself among Africa’s leading centres for communication scholarship and professional training.
“UniMAC’s future will be shaped by stronger partnerships, innovation and global engagement under its inaugural Chancellor.”
Dr. Ofori Sarpong’s professional credentials reinforce the significance of his appointment. A Chartered Accountant with a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Salford in the United Kingdom, he is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration in France while continuing to lead several successful enterprises. His expertise in corporate governance, investment strategy and entrepreneurship provides valuable experience for an institution preparing graduates for an increasingly competitive global economy.
His influence extends well beyond the corporate sector. He currently chairs the Governing Council of Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, serves as Chairman of the EMY Africa Awards, leads the Advisory Board of the Millennium Excellence Foundation and chairs the Advisory Board of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana. These appointments reflect a consistent commitment to strengthening educational and national institutions through strategic leadership and public service.
International recognition has followed his remarkable achievements. Over the years, he has received numerous honours celebrating entrepreneurship, humanitarian service and corporate excellence, including recognition at the United Nations Headquarters, honours from New York State and several prestigious business leadership awards. These accolades reinforce his standing as one of West Africa’s most respected business figures and an influential advocate for sustainable development.
The appointment has also generated immense pride within the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School Old Boys’ Association (Ɔdadeɛ Global), where Ofori Sarpong serves as Global President. Alumni have hailed the decision as further evidence of PRESEC’s enduring tradition of producing transformational leaders whose influence extends across business, academia, governance, science, technology and public service.
For many within the Ɔdadeɛ fraternity, the appointment represents more than personal success. It symbolises the enduring values of discipline, integrity, excellence and service that have defined generations of PRESEC graduates. Through his sustained support for scholarships, infrastructure development, mentorship and institutional advancement, Ofori Sarpong has consistently demonstrated that leadership is measured not only by achievement but by one’s willingness to invest in future generations.
UniMAC’s decision equally sends a broader message about the future direction of higher education in Africa. Universities increasingly recognise that meaningful partnerships with accomplished industry leaders can accelerate innovation, strengthen graduate employability and bridge the longstanding divide between academic knowledge and practical enterprise. Ofori Sarpong’s appointment therefore reflects a strategic vision extending well beyond ceremonial tradition.
As Ghana continues positioning itself as a regional hub for the creative economy, digital innovation and knowledge based industries, the partnership between UniMAC and its inaugural Chancellor has the potential to redefine how universities engage government, industry and society. It is a model that acknowledges the importance of entrepreneurial leadership alongside academic excellence in preparing the next generation of African innovators, journalists, filmmakers, communicators and creative professionals.
For UniMAC, the appointment marks the beginning of a new institutional chapter. For Ernest Ofori Sarpong, it represents another distinguished milestone in a career dedicated to enterprise, national service and transformational leadership. Together, they now embark on a shared mission to elevate Ghana’s premier media and communication university into an institution of global distinction, ensuring that its graduates remain at the forefront of Africa’s rapidly evolving creative and knowledge economy.
