Dompiahene of Asante Akyem Agogo in the Ashanti Region, Nana Bediako Brogya Sarpong, joined high-profile dignitaries in Washington DC to celebrate the 80th birthday celebration of former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Alphonso Jackson.

The private birthday ceremony was graced by eminent personalities, including Justices of the United States Supreme Court, former secretaries of state, and Black Entertainment Television (BET) Vice President Connie Orlando—a gathering that reflected Secretary Jackson’s extensive influence across governance, business, and culture in the United States and beyond.

The presence of the astute Ghanaian businessman and traditional leader at the auspicious occasion highlighted the strong historical and contemporary ties between Ghana and the United States.

His participation also underscored the recognition of Secretary Jackson’s contributions to Ghana’s development, particularly in strengthening US-Ghana relations through landmark economic and infrastructural support.

Alphonso Jackson, who served under President George W. Bush’s administration, was a key figure in American public service and business leadership, including overseeing the daily operations of a US$36billion federal agency as deputy secretary.

Before his appointment as secretary, he also held senior positions including Vice Chair of JPMorgan Chase, President of American Electric Power-Texas, and leadership roles in multiple billion-dollar enterprises.

Secretary Jackson’s tenure was particularly significant to Ghana, as it was during his time in office that the country received a landmark $500 million grant—the highest ever given to an African nation at the time.

This grant, secured during the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, paved the way for the construction of the George Walker Bush Highway, a major infrastructure project that remains vital to Ghana’s transportation network today. Nana Bediako Brogya-Sarpong, known privately as Carl Brogya-Sarpong, is a visionary leader committed to showcasing Ghana’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.

He is the founder and President of the Brogya Foundation, a non-governmental organisation devoted to the welfare of children from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those who have lost their mothers due to complications during childbirth.