Story: Reuben Sackey 

Ghanaian statesman and business Sir Sam Jonah  says noted that character is the single most vital attribute for “future-ready leadership for nation building”.

Addressing the graduating class of Academic City University, on Saturda, June 7, 2025, underscored the indispensable role of integrity, compassion, and discipline in shaping leaders capable of transforming Ghana and the African continent.

The business magnate  posed a fundamental question to the students asking, “What does the future need most from our leaders?” 

His unequivocal answer resonated throughout the auditorium: “My answer, in one word, is Character.”

He distinguished character from other commonly valued attributes, urging the new generation to prioritise ethical fortitude above all else. 

“Not degrees — you already have those, but without character, they are mere documents from an educational institution,” he warned.

He further elaborated that, “not connections — they help but without character you will corrupt or be corrupted by them,” and “not money — it is a reward for honest mental and physical investment but without character it will make you selfish, greedy, plunderous and arrogant.”

Sir Sam Jonah defined character as “the sum of your values and ethics that guide your decisions and actions”, stressing its enduring nature.

He warned the graduates that their future journeys would inevitably “test your integrity”, presenting temptations to “compromise — to cut corners, to bend truth, to lie through gritted teeth; to serve self rather than the country.”

Drawing from his extensive experience in both social and corporate spheres, the astute industrialist emphasised the timeless value of integrity.

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

This assertion takes on added significance in developing economies, where lack of integrity is frequently cited in reports as contributing to billions of dollars in financial losses annually, eroding public trust and hindering sustainable development.

In a poignant call to action for the graduating class and indeed for the entire continent, he outlined a three-pronged ethical compass: “Let integrity be your compass. Let compassion be your instinct. Let discipline be your shield.”

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