about
Sam Jonah is a business magnate, educator, and philanthropist whose visionary leadership transformed Ashanti Goldfields into a multinational corporation and secured its place as the first African company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Discover the story of Sam Jonah, tracing his early life and the inception of his career, through to his establishment of Jonah Capital and his dedication to fostering altruistic leadership across Africa.
early life
Born into a military family in a military camp in Kibi, Ghana, Samuel Esson Jonah’s family moved to Obuasi shortly after his birth on November 19, 1949. He began his professional journey in 1969 at the Obuasi gold mine, laying the foundation for a distinguished career as a business magnate and public figure.
Education & Career
Educated at Adisadel College in Ghana, the Camborne School of Mines, and The Imperial College of Science & Technology in London, Sir Jonah began his professional life in the mining industry. In 1986, he was appointed CEO of Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited.
During his tenure, he oversaw the company’s growth from a single-mine operation to a multinational corporation and helped it become the first operating African company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1996. When Ashanti merged with AngloGold Limited in 2004, he became the Executive President of the new company, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd.
Philanthropy
Sam Jonah is a strong advocate for ethical business practices and an avid supporter of education and mentorship. He serves as the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast in Ghana and is a former board member of Ashesi University. He is also a visiting professor at the University of Witwatersrand Business School and a trustee of the Nelson Mandela Legacy Trust (UK).
He has served on numerous advisory boards, including those for the African Development Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the United Nations Secretary General’s Global Compact Advisory Council. He has also advised several African Heads of State on economic and business matters.
Founder, and Chairman of Jonah Capital
After a distinguished and transformative career at Ashanti Goldfields, a company he successfully steered to become the first African-based company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Sam Jonah set his sights on a new mission. He recognized a critical need in the African investment landscape: a firm that was not only a source of capital but also a dedicated partner, deeply rooted in the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities. Drawing on his extensive experience, he founded Jonah Capital in 2003 with a singular vision: to unlock Africa’s true potential by empowering its homegrown talent and promising businesses with the strategic guidance and governance needed to succeed on a global stage.
Jonah Capital was established to pioneer a new form of value creation. The firm operates as a private equity and venture capital company, focusing on a diverse portfolio that includes mineral resources, real estate, agriculture, and financial services. What truly distinguishes Jonah Capital is its integrated, hands-on approach. Sam and his team work as active partners, bringing decades of operational and leadership experience to the table. This collaborative model is a direct reflection of Sam’s personal commitment to fostering altruistic leadership and good corporate governance, principles he believes are fundamental to sustainable success and the long-term economic prosperity of Africa.
About Jonah Capital
Jonah Capital is a private investment holding company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. Founded in 2002 by Samuel Jonah, the firm leverages his decades of leadership and expertise to invest in a diverse portfolio spanning mineral resources, real estate, agriculture, construction, and financial services across the African continent.
“Leadership is not a position. It is a disposition.”
Sir Sam Jonah
Chairman, Helios Towers, UK
Executive Chairman, Jonah Capital Limited, South Africa
Chairman, Iron Mineral Beneficiation Services (IMBS), South Africa
Chairman, Hollard Insurance Group, Ghana, 2001 – 2024
Chairman, Roscan Gold Corporation (TSXV. ROS), 2020 – 2024
Non-executive Director, GRIT Real Estate Income Group, Mauritius, 2019 – 2023
Global Advisory Council, Director, Bank of America Merrill-Lynch, 2012 – 2020
Non-executive Director, African Gold Group Inc., 2017 – 2019Non-executive Director, Vodafone Plc, UK, 2009 – 2019
Honors & Awards
Sam Jonah has been widely celebrated for his pioneering business career and his transformative leadership, earning him a multitude of prestigious awards and honors.
Honorary Award from Morgan State University
2024
On May 18, 2024, Sam was honored with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Morning State University, where he also delivered the keynote address for the 147th Spring Commencement Ceremony.
Honorary Award from University of Mines and Technology
2023
He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science degree by the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT). This prestigious honor was given in recognition of his significant contributions and distinguished career in the mining industry.
Honorary Award by the Imperial College of London
2022
Sam was presented with the Doctor of Science (honoris causa) degree from Imperial College of London. This distinguished award, considered the institution’s highest honor, was conferred by President Professor Alice P. Gast in recognition of Sir Jonah’s outstanding contributions to the fields of business and earth sciences.
Elected Foreign Member of the United States National Academy of Engineering
2019
This recognition is considered one of the highest professional honors an engineer can receive, bestowed upon individuals for their exceptional contributions to the field. Sam Jonah was specifically singled out for his impactful leadership and technical innovations that have advanced the mineral industry throughout Africa.
Recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award
2019
An honor bestowed by Marquis Who’s Who for Sam’s outstanding contributions to his profession and society. This is one of five lifetime achievement awards he has received, recognizing his distinguished career in mining, business leadership, and international advisory roles
Awarded Ghana’s highest national award, the Companion of the Order of the Star
2006
In 2006, Sir Samuel Jonah was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Star of the Volta, which is one of Ghana’s most prestigious national honors. This award was in recognition of his significant and distinguished contributions to both business and society within Ghana.
Honorary Award by Ashesi University College
2005
This recognition was conferred upon him during the university’s very first graduation ceremony in December 2005, acknowledging his significant contributions to business and education in Africa.
Ranked Amongst 25 Global Business Leaders by Time & CNN
2004
In December 2004, CNN and Time magazine ranked Sam Jonah as one of the world’s top 25 most influential business leaders. The publication recognized him for setting global standards in management, ethics, marketing, and innovation.
Knighted by the Prince of Wales
2003
He was presented with an honorary knighthood (Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, or KBE) in 2003 by the Prince of Wales, on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. The award was given in recognition of his significant achievements as a leading business executive in both Ghana and the wider Commonwealth.
Co-Chairman of the World Economic Forum
2003
Samuel E. Jonah was a Co-Chairman of the World Economic Forum held in Durban, South Africa
Honorary Award by the Camborne School of Mines & the University of Exeter
1996
In 1996, Sam Jonah was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree jointly by the Camborne School of Mines and the University of Exeter (UK).