Sir Sam Jonah, receiving his Man of the Year artwork
The 10th edition of the EMY Africa Awards honoured Ghanaian businessman and mining magnate, Sir Sam Jonah, as the Ultimate Man of the Year.
This prestigious award recognises his outstanding contributions to business, leadership, and societal impact across Africa. The ceremony took place on November 22, 2025, celebrating a decade of inspiring greatness and excellence on the continent.
Currently serving as the Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital, an equity fund based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sir Sam Jonah is also the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast.
Dr. Jonah previously led AngloGold Ashanti, transforming it into a mining multinational and overseeing its listing on the New York Stock Exchange—the first African-operated company to do so. He has been recognised for boosting gold production from 240,000 ounces to 1.6 million ounces annually.
In his acceptance speech, he advised the youth to stop waiting for government grants, flawless economic climates, or zero-risk environments and to instead take decisive action now.
“To the young people listening tonight, let me say this plainly: don’t wait for perfect conditions. Greatness is rarely born in comfort.
“If my journey has taught me anything at all, it is that excellence is not an episode. Excellence is a habit. Excellence is a discipline. It is a standard we must insist upon daily, even when no one is watching,” he said.
Sir Sam Jonah advised young people to safeguard their vision and to prioritise character above all else, emphasising that “If you have an idea, start. If you have a dream, protect it, and if you want to lead, lead first with integrity. For in a world overflowing with noise, it is character that speaks loudest.”
The awards ceremony also witnessed Afi Amoro, CEO of Jandel Limited, a top-level event management company in Ghana, winning the Woman of the Year category.
The award winners also include Tanal Ghadour (The Settler Award), Theophilus Nii Kpakpo Allotey (Man of the Year — Sport), Dr. Akin Faminu (Man of Style), Dr. Osei Kwame Despite (Special Recognition), Richard Nii Armah Quaye (Young Achiever, Male).
Other winners are Marcel Desailly (Continental Sport Icon), Seth Donkor (Man of the Year — Technology), King Promise (Man of the Year — Music), Fabris Mulindi, (Youth Change Maker Award), Prof. Sampson Effah Apraku (Magnate Award), Frank Kwakye Jnr. (Creative and Support Arts).
The rest are Aisha Ayensu (Young Achiever, Female), Thapelo Mokoena (Actor of the Year), Mckingtorch Africa (Green Corporate Star), Anthony Baffoe (Continental Sport Icon), Rev. Dr. Chris Tsui Hesse (Lifetime Achievement Award), Ocuchukwu Omeogu (The Guardian Award), Ambiance by Talata (Brand of the Year), Nduka Obaigbena (Media Excellence Award), MOBA (Group of the Year), Gilbert Ampiah (Man of Courage), David Kusi Boye-Doe, (Designer of the Year), Albert Kwabena (PAV Ansah Communicator Award), Ibrahim Oppong Kwartey (Humanitarian Award), Matthew Asampambila Agambire Bondaana, (Discovery of the Year), Dr. Samuel Ato Duncan (Man of the Year — Health).
CEO of EMY Africa, Kojo Sobah, extended heartfelt appreciation to his supporting team for a decade of excellence in producing the awards event.
“Ten years today, I look back and I get emotional for all that we have been able to achieve in this time. I am so grateful to everybody who has been a part of this journey,” he said.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke