Renowned Ghanaian statesman and business leader Sir Sam Jonah recently delivered a powerful commencement address to the graduating class of Academic City University, emphasizing the importance of character in leadership for nation-building. His speech, delivered on June 7, 2025, highlighted the essential qualities of integrity, compassion, and discipline in shaping leaders capable of transforming Ghana and the African continent.
In his address, Sir Sam Jonah posed a critical question to the graduates: “What does the future need most from our leaders?” His unequivocal response was clear: “Character.” He stressed the significance of ethical fortitude above all other attributes, cautioning against prioritizing degrees, connections, or money over integrity.
Character, as defined by Sir Sam Jonah, is the sum of one’s values and ethics that guide decisions and actions. He warned the graduates that their future journeys would test their integrity, presenting temptations to compromise and serve self-interest rather than the greater good. Drawing from his extensive experience in both social and corporate spheres, the veteran industrialist emphasized the enduring value of integrity as a currency that never loses its worth.
In developing economies, lack of integrity is often cited as a contributing factor to financial losses and a hindrance to sustainable development. Sir Sam Jonah’s call to action for the graduating class and the continent at large included a three-pronged ethical compass: integrity as a compass, compassion as an instinct, and discipline as a shield.
He concluded his address with a poignant indictment of Africa’s current needs, stating that the continent requires more people with character, not just power, money, or fame. True leadership for nation-building, he emphasized, arises from an unshakeable moral foundation rather than material wealth or influence.
Sir Sam Jonah’s message serves as a powerful reminder that future-ready leadership for nation-building hinges on the cultivation of character above all other attributes. By prioritizing integrity, compassion, and discipline, leaders can navigate challenges with ethical fortitude and inspire trust and investment in their endeavors.
