Character Jonah is undoubtedly hardworking and often descends to the ground level to get things done. This is what earned him the respect of fellow miners as a boy and made him achieve phenomenal success as a mine manager. As an African pioneer in the corporate space, he does not shy away from challenging the status quo and can be credited for changing some of the perceptions of Africans in management.
Loyalty and trust are also fundamental to his management style. He defended his CFO Keatley a number of times when other players were happy to have him sacrificed as a scapegoat for Ashanti’s financial difficulties. Sir Jonah’s ability to stay strong during this turbulent time, when others were noted in the book to have experienced strokes and hypertension, also shows his physical
on you to stay on course and motivates you to bring others along as others did for you as management is certainly not a one man show.”
and mental strength in times of adversity.
with a second office in Ghana and is geared towards igniting the economic progress of the African continent by acting as a viaduct to increase foreign investment. Jonah continues to serve on the boards and advisory councils of many prominent entities including Standard Bank. - KC ROTTOK
It is in this spirit of bringing others along that he now chairs Jonah Capital, the entity he founded following his retirement from Anglo Gold Ashanti in 2005 after 37 years of service. It is based in Johannesburg
The author observes that “Jonah was determined to build a ‘First’ World company, to dispel the unspoken belief that coming from the ‘Third’ World implied that he would be a third-rate businessman.” Jonah also seems to understand the limits of his ability. The book notes that he twice turned down an offer of the vice-presidency of Ghana, a move which also illustrates his humility. “Part of the problem of political leadership in Africa is that everyone thinks that they can be president,” he said to me. “I do not believe that the skill set I possess as a business leader is necessarily applicable to the political arena. I have been available to a number of African heads of state for consultation but taking up a political role has never been part of my calculations.” His modesty is further demonstrated by his pushing for the merger even when it appeared as though his role would be diminished as a result thereof.
Jonah also gives back. It was for his contributions as a businessman and philanthropic work, particularly in education, that he received an Honorary Knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. “That was a humbling experience and so was receiving The Star of Ghana which is my country’s highest award. It imposes a certain obligation
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