By Leo Nelson
Sir Sam Jonah, Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has praised President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, describing his recent decisions – including the swift implementation of a Code of Conduct for political appointees and the appointment of young Ghanaians to top roles – as both commendable and visionary.
His remarks came during a powerful address on “Leadership for Nation Building,” where he urged Ghana’s emerging leaders to embrace integrity, humility, and deliberate relationship-building as central pillars of their journey.
Reflecting on his own beginnings as a labourer in the Obuasi mines, Sir Jonah challenged the next generation to pursue significance rather than status, reminding them that leadership is defined not by title, but by conviction.
“When I began my own journey, it wasn’t glamorous at all. I was a labourer in the Obuasi mines. But even then, I knew one thing: I wanted to matter. I wanted to make a difference. That early experience taught me something invaluable – that leadership is not a position. It is a disposition.”
Sir Jonah reserved strong praise for President Mahama’s decision to launch a Code of Conduct and Ethics for all political appointees within the first four months of his 2025 administration, calling the move refreshing and essential for restoring public trust in governance.
“The Code of Conduct and Ethics for all political appointees launched by President Mahama is – worthy of admiration and support.
“That he ensured this was done within 120 days of taking office sends a positive signal to Ghanaians that all who are offered positions of authority must serve with integrity, humility and accountability,” he remarked.
In a political landscape often marred by public distrust, Sir Jonah’s endorsement positions the Code as a critical step toward ethical and accountable leadership. His emphasis on values underscored a larger call to all leaders to embrace non-negotiable moral compasses in public service.
Another focal point of his address was President Mahama’s strategic empowerment of the youth through appointments to leadership positions. Sir Jonah lauded the president’s confidence in the younger generation, describing it as one of the most remarkable features of his current tenure.
“With his appointment of young professionals to key roles in ministries, departments, and agencies, he has shown his trust in youth leadership. He has given youthful Ghanaian talent the platform to perform and shine.”
Sir Jonah’s observations align with public sentiment that Ghana’s young population must be positioned not just as beneficiaries, but as architects of national progress.
Encouraging future leaders not to fear setbacks, he spoke candidly about the necessity of failure once put in the right perspective.
“Failure is part of the journey. Every leader, visionary or star you admire has stumbled. Every company you see thriving has had challenges; even moments of near-collapse. Failure is not the opposite of success. It is often the path to it,” he admonished.
This recognition of resilience resonated with a larger theme in his speech – that true leadership requires grit, purpose, and a commitment to personal growth through trials.
Sir Jonah also stressed the importance of intentional networking and long-term relationships as key to effective leadership.
“Build real relationships, not just transactional ones. Share your ideas. Collaborate. Give more than you take. Be the kind of person others want to build with. Never underestimate the power of peer-to-peer support. And remember: It’s not just what you know. It’s also who you grow with.”
In his final reflections, Sir Sam Jonah reminded listeners that character – not credentials or connections – is the most critical attribute of leadership.
“The most enduring trait of any true leader is character. Character is the sum of your values and ethics that guide your decisions and actions,” he concluded.
As Ghana navigates a crucial period under President Mahama’s administration, Sir Jonah’s remarks serve as both a commendation of current reforms and a call to action for principled leadership rooted in service, trust, and transformation.