Losing my son made me value time with loved ones more – Sam Jonah

Business leader Sir Sam Jonah shared his personal experience of losing his son, Richard, at the 2026 TrueLife Experience conference in Accra. The tragedy prompted him to reflect on life, the importance of spending time with loved ones, and the significance of the present moment. In his keynote address, Sir Sam emphasized that personal loss can override authority and influence, and that grief cannot be negotiated or resolved by external means.

He expressed his deep love and mourning for his late son, stating simply, "He is my son. I love him. I miss him." However, Sir Sam also highlighted how this loss altered his perspective on time and everyday interactions with family members. He noted that such a profound loss makes individuals more conscious of the value of time spent with loved ones, and that seemingly ordinary moments, like conversations and shared meals, take on greater significance.

Sir Sam, who had previously focused much of his career on future planning, said grief had shifted his attention to the present. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his wife, Giselle, and their family throughout his career, emphasizing that their adjustments were often overlooked in professional accounts of his achievements.