By Leo Nelson
Acclaimed Ghanaian statesman and business magnate, Sir Sam Jonah, has made a stirring appeal for a new kind of leadership in Africa—one rooted not in wealth, influence, or popularity, but in strong moral character.
Delivering the commencement address to the 2025 graduating class of Academic City University on Saturday, June 7, Sir Sam spoke passionately on the theme of leadership for nation building. In a hall filled with fresh graduates, faculty, families, and dignitaries, he posed a reflective question: “What does the future need most from our leaders?”
His answer was direct and powerful: “Character.”
Sir Sam Jonah, who currently serves as the Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital, an equity investment firm based in Johannesburg, explained that while education, connections, and money have their place, they are no substitute for character.
He urged the graduates to hold fast to their values and integrity, warning that their greatest tests lie ahead, not in exams, but in the real world where they will be tempted to compromise.
“Not degrees — you already have those, but without character, they are mere documents from an educational institution,” he cautioned.
“Not connections — they help but without character you will corrupt or be corrupted by them,” and “Not money — it is a reward for honest mental and physical investment but without character it will make you selfish, greedy, plunderous and arrogant.
Drawing from decades of experience across public and private sectors, the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast stressed that character, defined as the combination of one’s values and ethical convictions, is what determines long-term trust and influence.
“Character is the currency that never loses its value,” he declared, adding, “When you are known for honesty, for fairness, for keeping your word — people will follow you, trust you, and invest in you.”
Sir Sam warned that the real challenges awaiting the graduates would not be academic, but moral. He called on them to resist such temptations, affirming that the continent’s progress depends on principled leadership.
He closed with a guiding mantra: “Let integrity be your compass. Let compassion be your instinct. Let discipline be your shield.”
In a powerful conclusion that resonated far beyond the walls of the university, Sir Sam declared: “Africa does not need more people with power, money or fame. It needs more people with character.”