Agogomanhene Nana Akuoko Sarpong passes on at 87

The Paramount Chief of the Asante Akyem Agogo Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, has passed away at the age of 87.

The revered Agogomanhene reportedly died late on Thursday, March 26, 2026, after battling health complications.

His passing marks the end of a distinguished life that spanned traditional leadership, law, and public service.

A father to media personality AJ Sarpong, Nana Akuoko Sarpong was widely respected for his pivotal role in the growth and stability of the Agogo Traditional Area in the Ashanti Region.

A reign of influence and stability

Born on August 11, 1938, he was enstooled as Omanhene on December 23, 1975, succeeding his uncle, Nana Kwaku Duah. He swore allegiance to the then Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, in January 1976.

Affectionately called Agogomanhene, he ruled for more than four decades, marking 47 years on the throne by 2023. His tenure is remembered for strengthening agriculture, fostering development, and maintaining peace within the traditional area.

Service in national leadership

Beyond chieftaincy, Nana Akuoko Sarpong played key roles in government during the era of the Provisional National Defence Council. He served as Secretary for Health, Secretary for Internal Affairs, and Secretary for Chieftaincy Affairs.

In Ghana’s Fourth Republic, he also contributed to governance as a member of the Council of State.

Academic and professional journey

His early education began at Methodist and Presbyterian Primary Schools in Agogo before he proceeded to Accra Academy in 1954, where he obtained his Cambridge School Certificate in 1957.

He later attended Opoku Ware School, joining its first sixth-form cohort and earning his Cambridge Higher School Certificate in 1959.

Nana Akuoko Sarpong went on to study at the University of Ghana, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, sociology, law and political science. He subsequently obtained an LLB (Hons) in 1965.

He further trained in public administration at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, where he served as SRC President and acting president of the National Union of Ghana Students. He was called to the Ghana Bar in October 1965.

Legacy

Nana Akuoko Sarpong’s legacy is defined by decades of dedicated service—both as a traditional ruler and a national figure. His contributions to governance, education, and community development have left a lasting imprint on Ghana’s socio-political landscape.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.