Accra, May 12, GNA – 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.
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 on Tuesday to commiserate with them over the passing of the traditional ruler and old student of the school.
BLFI said his loyalty to the school remained unwavering long after graduation, citing his support during the 1983 bushfires and famine, when he organised truckloads of foodstuffs from Agogo to feed students of the school.
According to the group, the late traditional ruler made significant financial contributions towards several 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.
The 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 and is currently stocked in major global institutions, including the Library of Congress, the British Library, Harvard University, Yale University, and Princeton University.
As a student of Accra Academy, Nana Akuoko Sarpong served as President of the Debating Club and represented the school in debate competitions, while also 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 attaining prominence in society.
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 because of Nana’s instrumental 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, first-born daughter of the late traditional ruler, said her father had an exceptional love for Accra Academy, which stemmed from his formative years at the school.
She disclosed that the family was willing to collaborate with BLFI to establish an endowment fund to support underprivileged children while preserving the legacy of Nana Akuoko Sarpong.
Mr Emmanuel Bruce-Attah, Chief Executive Officer of BLFI, described the late Omanhene as a pillar of strength for Accra Academy over several decades.
“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,” he stated.
The BLFI CEO expressed appreciation to the family for the warm reception accorded 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.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba