Sam Jonah Urges Graduates to Lead with Character, Not Wealth or Power

Renowned business leader and statesman Sir Sam Jonah has delivered a compelling call to action, urging Africa’s next generation of leaders to make character their most valuable asset in nation-building.

Speaking at the 2025 graduation ceremony of Academic City University in Accra, Sir Sam challenged the graduates to move beyond degrees, wealth, or networks — and instead measure success by moral integrity and ethical leadership.

“Not degrees — you already have those. But without character, they are mere documents,” he said.
“Not connections — they help. But without character, you will corrupt or be corrupted by them. And not money — it is a reward, but without character, it will make you selfish, greedy, plunderous, and arrogant.”

Theme: Future-Ready Leadership for Nation Building

Delivering the keynote address under the theme “Future-Ready Leadership for Nation Building,” Sir Sam asked a fundamental question:
“What does the future need most from our leaders?”

His answer was clear and uncompromising:
“Character.”

He defined character as “the sum of your values and ethics that guide your decisions and actions,” stressing that true leadership would inevitably be tested by temptations to compromise, manipulate, or self-serve.

“You will face pressure to compromise — to bend the truth, cut corners, or serve yourself rather than your country,” he warned, drawing on his decades of experience in business and public service.

Integrity: The Currency That Never Devalues

With widespread disillusionment over leadership across Africa, Sir Sam’s address struck a particularly resonant chord.

“Character is the currency that never loses its value,” he said.
“When you are known for honesty, fairness, and keeping your word — people will follow you, trust you, and invest in you.”

He offered three pillars of ethical leadership for the graduates to live by:

• Integrity as their compass

• Compassion as their instinct

• Discipline as their shield

A Wake-Up Call for Africa’s Leadership

In a pointed critique of prevailing political and business culture, Sir Sam called on African societies to recalibrate their definition of leadership:

“Africa does not need more people with power, money or fame. It needs more people with character.”

He urged the graduates to be different — to break free from cycles of corruption, greed, and self-interest that have cost the continent billions and stifled real progress.

Impact Beyond the Ceremony

The address has since gone viral on social media and is being hailed by academics and professionals alike as one of the most inspiring commencement speeches in recent memory.

Observers say Sir Sam Jonah’s remarks serve not only as a graduation charge, but also a moral compass for young Africans seeking to lead change in business, politics, and public life.

As the graduates of Academic City step into their future, they carry with them a clear message:
Leadership is not about what you have — it’s about who you are when no one is watching.