Discover Your Purpose to Lead with Meaning — Sir Sam Jonah Urges Ghanaian Youth

Celebrated business leader and statesman, Sir Sam Jonah, has urged Ghanaian youth to pursue purpose over titles in a compelling address delivered at Academic City University in Accra. Speaking to a gathering of students and faculty, Sir Jonah drew deeply from his own life experience, emphasizing that true leadership is not about position, but about clarity of purpose and meaningful service.

Recounting his humble beginnings as a labourer in the Obuasi mines, he said, “It wasn’t glamorous at all. But even then, I knew one thing: I wanted to matter. I wanted to make a difference.” That early stage, he noted, shaped his understanding that leadership is “a disposition — a way of thinking, acting, and serving with clarity and conviction.”

Sir Jonah shared how a sense of purpose helped him rise through the ranks in a European-owned and managed mining company, where he became the only African to reach senior management. “I bore the weight of responsibility for all my African brothers and sisters,” he said. “I felt the need to prove in a hostile environment that the African is capable of leading any group of people in any enterprise and succeeding.”

He explained that focusing on his purpose brought clarity to every decision and helped eliminate distractions. “If my tasks didn’t fit with my purpose, they were replaced by more constructive endeavours,” he noted.

Quoting from Suzy Welch’s book Becoming You, Sir Jonah encouraged the audience to reflect on what she calls their “area of destiny” — the intersection of one’s gifts, values, and what society truly needs. “That is your compass,” he said. “Don’t chase titles. Titles can be given and taken. But purpose — that is yours alone.”

The former CEO of Ashanti Goldfields and one of Ghana‘s most respected voices on business and leadership also challenged the youth to take time to reflect, test their passions, and never underestimate their potential. “You don’t know what you are capable of until you put your mind, heart, and hands to it,” he added.

Sir Jonah concluded his inspiring speech with a stirring call: “When you discover your purpose, give it your all. It will fuel your perseverance, sharpen your priorities, and give your service and leadership meaning.”

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