Sir Sam Jonah, a prominent business mogul, has firmly denied any speculation linking him to the possibility of becoming former President John Mahama’s running mate for the 2024 elections. Jonah has categorically dismissed these rumors and clarified that he is not in the race for the position.
According to the former Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited boss, Sir Sam Jonah, he has made it clear that he has no interest in the role being speculated upon.
In a statement to Metro TV’s ‘Good Evening Ghana’ he said, “Anyone who knows me well will attest to the fact that I have no interest whatsoever in going into the murky world of politics.”
Sir Sam Jonah revealed that he had previously declined offers to serve as Vice President under former President Jerry John Rawlings during the 1990s.
As a matter of fact, if I was interested, I would have been Vice President in 1992 and 1996 when I was offered the position on a silver platter,” he explained.
Despite media speculation suggesting that Mr. Jonah would be the running mate of NDC flagbearer Mr. Mahama, he has dismissed such rumors as “worthless speculation.” Mr. Jonah has expressed that there is no basis for these claims and has distanced himself from any such political partnership.
Mr. Jonah is widely recognized and celebrated globally as a prominent business icon. His notable achievements include his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited in 1986. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a single-mine operation into a multinational enterprise. His leadership and strategic vision were instrumental in the significant growth and success of Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited.
In a significant milestone, Ashanti Gold, under the leadership of Mr. Jonah, achieved the distinction of becoming the first operating African company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1996. This achievement not only highlighted the success of Ashanti Gold but also served as a symbol of the growing global recognition of African businesses in the international financial markets. The dual listings of Ashanti Gold in London and Ghana, along with its inclusion on the prestigious NYSE, further solidified the company’s reputation as a major player in the mining industry.
Sir Sam Jonah became the Executive President of AngloGold Ashanti Ltd in May 2004 when Ashanti merged with AngloGold Limited, forming one of the world’s largest gold producers.
In 2003, Sir Sam Jonah was honored with an Honorary Knighthood as Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, who is also the Head of the Commonwealth
In 2006, Sir Sam Jonah was bestowed with Ghana’s highest national honor, the Companion of the Order of the Star. This prestigious award recognizes his exceptional contributions and achievements in various fields, reflecting his significant impact on the nation.
Sir Sam Jonah received international recognition in December 2004 when CNN and Time Magazine listed him among the world’s top 25 most influential business figures. This acknowledgment was a testament to his exemplary leadership, ethical practices, marketing expertise, and innovative approach, setting global benchmarks in the business realm.
Sir Sam Jonah has been honored with five Lifetime Achievement awards throughout his illustrious career. Among these accolades, the most recent one is the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. These prestigious awards recognize his remarkable contributions and exceptional achievements over the course of his professional journey.
