Accra: The Bleoo Legacy Fundraising Initiative (BLFI) has paid a courtesy call on the family of its late Patron, Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, former Omanhene of the Agogo Traditional Area. They were there to commiserate with them following his passing. The visit was also in honour of his longstanding dedication to Accra Academy.
According to Ghana News Agency, the five-member delegation, led by Mr. Richard Okrah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Mr. Emmanuel Bruce-Attah, Chief Executive Officer of BLFI, visited the bereaved family to express their condolences over the passing of the traditional ruler and old student of the school. BLFI highlighted Nana Akuoko Sarpong's unwavering loyalty to the school, especially his support during the 1983 bushfires and famine, when he organised truckloads of foodstuffs from Agogo to feed students.
The group noted that the late traditional ruler made significant financial contributions towards various school projects and programmes over the years. Nana Akuoko Sarpong served as Board Chairman of Accra Academy from 2007 to 2013, during which he facilitated the construction of a new dormitory block through the GETFund. This facility, later named Nana Akuoko Sarpong Hall (NASH), was dedicated in his honour in 2014.
In 2022, he also championed the publication of the school's first history book in 90 years, titled 'Accra Aca Bleoo,' which was launched in 2023. This book is now stocked in major global institutions, including the Library of Congress, the British Library, Harvard University, Yale University, and Princeton University.
Nana Akuoko Sarpong was also an active student at Accra Academy, serving as President of the Debating Club and participating in debate competitions, as well as playing for the football and hockey teams. Addressing the family and members of the Agogo Traditional Council, Mr. Okrah described Nana Akuoko Sarpong as an illustrious old student who remained humble despite his societal prominence.
He noted that although the school and the wider alumni association had earlier visited the family, the BLFI Board considered it important to pay a separate tribute due to Nana's pivotal role as Patron of the Initiative. Mr. Okrah signed the book of condolence on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Management Board of the Initiative.
Akosua Fosuhemaa Sarpong, the first-born daughter of the late traditional ruler, shared that her father's exceptional love for Accra Academy stemmed from his formative years at the school. She disclosed the family's willingness to collaborate with BLFI to establish an endowment fund to support underprivileged children while preserving Nana Akuoko Sarpong's legacy.
Mr. Emmanuel Bruce-Attah, CEO of BLFI, described the late Omanhene as a pillar of strength for Accra Academy over several decades. He remarked, "Nana Akuoko Sarpong was not just a patron of the BLFI, but a pillar of strength for Accra Academy across several decades. His legacy of generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment will continue to inspire generations of alumni to band together and accomplish more feats for the school."
The BLFI CEO expressed appreciation to the family for the warm reception accorded to the delegation. BLFI is a registered not-for-profit organisation established to create a sustainable funding source for Accra Academy through long-term investment contributions from members.