By Christopher Arko, GNA
Accra, May 15, GNA – The Bleoo Legacy Fundraising Initiative, an NGO formed by alumni of Accra Academy to raise sustainable funding for the school, has paid a visit to sympathise with the family of its late Patron, Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, Omanhene of the Agogo Traditional Area.
The five-member delegation was led by Mr Richard Okrah (Bleoo ’64), Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Mr Emmanuel Bruce-Attah (Bleoo ’73), Chief Executive Officer.
A statement issued by the group said the visit was to honour the former Agogo Manhene for his dedication to Accra Academy, spanning more than six decades.
Mr Okrah, addressing the family and members of the Agogo Traditional Council, who received the delegation, said Nana was an illustrious old student of Accra Academy, who carried himself with humility despite the prominence he attained in society.
“Although the school and the wider alumni association had already visited the family, the Board of the Fundraising NGO found it necessary and important to commiserate with the family because of Nana’s role as Patron of the Initiative,” he said.
“The Board is deeply touched and saddened by his demise.”
Mr Okrah signed the book of condolence on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Management.
Madam Akosua Fosuhemaa Sarpong, the first-born of Nana Akuoko Sarpong, noted that her father had a remarkable love for the Accra Academy, which she attributed to a period in his life when he found independence.
She said the family was open to partnering with the Fundraising Initiative to establish an endowment fund to support less privileged children while honouring the memory and legacy of their father.
Mr Bruce-Attah, on his part, noted that Nana Akuoko Sarpong was not just a Patron of the Bleoo Legacy Fundraising Initiative but also a pillar of strength for Accra Academy over several decades.
“Nana’s legacy of generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment will continue to inspire generations of alumni to unite and accomplish greater feats for the school,” he said, and expressed gratitude to the family for the warm reception.
As a student of Accra Academy, Nana Akuoko Sarpong was elected President of the Debating Club, representing the school in debate competitions. He also played for both the football and hockey teams.
Years after completing school, he remained loyal to Accra Academy. Following the devastating 1983 bushfires that led to famine in the country, he organised truckloads of foodstuffs from Agogo to feed students of the school.
Over the years, his financial contributions supported numerous school projects and programmes.
Nana described Accra Academy as the crowning jewel of his education because his time at the school was marked by struggles he overcame, experiences that later shaped him into a statesman par excellence.
He served as Board Chairman of Accra Academy from 2007 to 2013. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in securing a new dormitory block for the school through GETFund.
The hall, NASH (Nana Akuoko Sarpong Hall), was named in his honour in 2014.
Most recently, in 2022, he single-handedly championed the publication of Accra Academy’s first history book in 90 years, which was launched under his auspices in 2023.
The book, titled “Accra Aca Bleoo,” is now stocked at leading global institutions, including the Library of Congress, the British Library, Harvard University, Yale University, and Princeton University.
GNA
EDited by Agnes Boye-Doe