I sold kenkey to fund my education - ACP Kofi Sarpong

Assistant Commissioner of Police and gospel musician, ACP Kofi Sarpong, shared his struggles growing up. He revealed that he sold kenkey to support his education.

In an interview on The Career Trail with Joy Learning TV, he discussed his family's hardships. He often had to drop out of school due to unpaid fees.

"There were many orphans my mother cared for," he said. "Her small salary supported all of us. It was difficult. I dropped out three or four times because I couldn't pay school fees."

Despite his mother's efforts, the burden was heavy due to their situation. At just 13 years old, he decided to sell kenkey to help himself.

"I started preparing kenkey," he explained. "I know how to make all types: Ga kenkey, Fante, you name it. I sold it until Secondary School Form 5."

Selling kenkey was not easy for him. He recalled feeling embarrassed while selling by the roadside.

"Sometimes at lorry parks, I'd see classmates and hide behind cars," he shared. "They would still notice me selling kenkey."

Balancing school and business was challenging for him as well. He often sold in the mornings before class and arrived late.

"In the morning, I prepared Ga kenkey and sold it," he said. "I washed up before joining my classmates at school. I was always late and punished."

Despite these challenges, ACP Kofi Sarpong refused to give up on his education. He could have chosen not to attend school but had a dream.

"I never gave up because I had an aim," he stated. "At home, you could choose not to go to school. But I wanted to help myself."

His hard work paid off eventually. The money from selling kenkey allowed him to continue at Berekum Senior High School.

Later, he joined the Ghana Police Service and rose through the ranks to Assistant Commissioner.

Today, ACP Kofi Sarpong is a respected police officer and popular gospel musician. He encourages youth not to let their circumstances define their future.

"God has purpose and plans for everyone," he urged them. "If you're born into wealth or poverty, give thanks; your vision rests in His hands."

He advised young people never to be weighed down by their current situations: "Keep pushing forward; don't despair."

When asked if he'd return to the kenkey business someday, he laughed and said, “Don’t be surprised if you hear about Kofi Sarpong Kenkey House.”