Sir Sam Jonah commends Mahama as he backs youth leadership – Nsemkeka
Renowned Ghanaian statesman and business mogul Sir Sam Jonah has issued a fervent call for a new era of youth leadership, one defined by unwavering integrity and a profound commitment to national development.
While commending President John Dramani Mahama for empowering young professionals, Sir Sam delivered a stark warning against repeating the “failings of generations before”.
At the Academic City University’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 7, 2025, Sir Sam, the Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital, an equity fund based in Johannesburg, South Africa, began by observing a global shift towards younger leadership, citing examples such as Gabriel Boric (Chile, 35), Sanna Marin (Finland, 34), and Emmanuel Macron (France, 39).
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The Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) then turned to Ghana, commending President Mahama, who himself became Vice President at 49 and President at 51, for his “remarkable” trust in empowering young Ghanaians.
He highlighted President Mahama’s “appointment of young professionals to key roles — in ministries, departments and agencies,” a policy reflected in reports indicating that over 30% of ministerial and agency appointments since 2024 have been individuals under 45 years old.
However, Sir Sam quickly pivoted to the weighty responsibility accompanying such trust.
“But hear me, and hear me well: With trust comes responsibility,” he stressed, reminding the graduates that “Public service is an honour and privilege.”
He passionately entreated every person bestowed with this honour to “serve with integrity, humility and compassion”, urging them to “emulate the endearing humility of President Mahama.”
His address sharpened as he confronted the pervasive issue of corruption.
Acknowledging the “numerous reports and ongoing investigations of endemic corruption and criminality over recent years”, a challenge highlighted by Ghana’s consistent ranking within the top 100 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, Sir Sam commended President Mahama’s swift action in launching a Code of Conduct and Ethics for all political appointees within 120 days of taking office.
This, he noted, sends a “positive signal to Ghanaians that all who are offered positions of authority must serve with integrity, humility and accountability.”
Yet, his most direct challenge was reserved for the graduating class.
“Do not betray the trust reposed in you. Do not become what you once vowed to change. Do not confuse privilege with purpose,” he warned, speaking with palpable pain about the current state of the nation.
He laid bare the “failings of generations before you: the shortfalls of my generation”, identifying them as “endemic corruption, greed and selfishness, lack of integrity, and shallow patriotism.”
These systemic issues, often linked to an estimated billions of dollars lost annually across African economies due to illicit financial flows and corruption, have severely hampered development.
Sir Sam firmly declared that the current generation has “no excuse to repeat them.”
He underscored their unique advantages: “You are better educated. Better exposed. Better resourced.” (Indeed, Ghana’s youth literacy rate is significantly higher, over 80%, compared to 50-60% for older demographics, providing a stronger foundational education).
In a his closing appeal, he urged those called to serve to bring:
- Principle, not opportunism
- Sacrifice, not entitlement
- Accountability, not arrogance
- Vision, not vengeance
“Let your generation reclaim, protect and project Africa’s dignity — not with slogans, but with competent and selfless service,” Sir Sam implored.
“The baton is in your hands now. It is your turn to do better. You are not just the future — you are the present. And our beloved country is counting on you.”