Nobody succeeds alone – Sam Jonah reflects on journey to business leadership

Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Sir Sam Jonah, has refuted the idea of the self-made individual, insisting that his ascent in the mining industry was contingent upon the assistance and prospects provided by others. During his keynote speech at the 2026 TrueLife Experience at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, the business leader traced his path from the mining community of Obuasi to becoming the chief executive of Ashanti Goldfields at the age of 36.

Sir Sam Jonah emphasized, "I did not achieve this alone, and I want to state it clearly, for 'self-made' is one of the greatest myths in public life. No one is self-made." He went on to acknowledge the critical role of mentors such as Tiny Rowland of Lonrho, who believed in him despite the complexities surrounding him. "Tiny Rowland of Lonrho, with all his contradictions, was one of those who saw a young Ghanaian and proclaimed, let him lead it," he remarked.

While he highlighted that an opportunity often serves as the starting point, Sir Sam Jonah stressed the necessity for individuals to seize and capitalize on these opportunities. "Someone may open one for you, but no one can walk through it for you. Also, there is no grace period on the other side," he asserted.

The speech also acknowledged the influence of his parents, who instilled in him principles of humility and respect that continue to shape his personal and professional life. Sir Sam Jonah noted that his mother taught him that success should not justify arrogance or disrespect towards others. "My mother had no tolerance for arrogance. You can achieve something remarkable, but that doesn’t entitle you to act unpleasantly. It certainly does not permit you to treat another with disrespect," he said.

Additionally, Sir Sam Jonah recalled his father's lesson that individuals are born into circumstances they cannot choose, including their parents, opportunities, and advantages. "Understanding that reality makes it hard to look down on someone whose opportunities are fewer than yours," he added.

The 2026 TrueLife Experience, themed "The Audacity to Dare," gathered business executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, professionals, and emerging leaders. The event centered on themes of courage, personal development, and purposeful action, discussing how potential can be transformed into tangible outcomes.