Before rising to fame as a gospel musician and climbing the ranks in the Ghana Police Service, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kofi Sarpong lived a life far removed from comfort.
His story, as shared during an emotional appearance on Joy Learning TV’s The Career Trail, has inspired many, revealing how poverty forced him to sell kenkey on the streets to keep his educational dreams alive.
Growing up in a home where his mother’s limited earnings had to stretch to care for multiple orphans, Sarpong’s early life was defined by financial hardship. Frequent school dropouts became a painful norm, all because tuition fees were often out of reach.
Determined not to let poverty decide his future, the young Sarpong took matters into his own hands at just 13. He began preparing and selling various types of kenkey—Ga, Fante, and more—before school and during weekends, using the proceeds to support his education.
This bold choice marked the start of a long, uphill journey.
But the hustle wasn’t without emotional scars. He recounted the shame he sometimes felt while selling in public spaces like lorry stations, especially when classmates spotted him.
Despite the embarrassment and punishment for being late to class, he stuck with his routine, preparing and selling kenkey each morning before rushing off to school.
His unwavering commitment eventually paid off. The income from his street hustle helped him continue his education at Berekum Senior High School.
Later, he joined the Ghana Police Service and steadily worked his way up the ranks to become Assistant Commissioner.
Today, ACP Kofi Sarpong stands as a symbol of resilience—combining his duties as a senior officer with his work as a gospel artist and fashion brand owner.
He uses his story to encourage young people, urging them to persevere through hardship and trust that their future holds something greater.
And as for whether he might ever return to his roots in the kenkey trade? With a smile, he left that possibility open, joking that a “Kofi Sarpong Kenkey House” might one day become a reality.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
