African business statesman and corporate governance icon Sir Sam Jonah was the undisputed star of the Exclusive Men of the Year (EMY) Africa Awards 2025, securing the highest honour of the evening as the Ultimate Man of the Year Award.

The award recognises an individual whose lifetime achievements, leadership, and impact have not only revolutionised their industry but also profoundly shaped the socio-economic landscape of the continent.

Sir Sam Jonah's selection underscores his decades-long career defined by pioneering leadership in the mining sector, fervent advocacy for ethical governance, and deep commitment to African economic independence.

The EMY Africa Awards 2025 was held on Saturday, November 22, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), with a host of other personalities picking up coveted honours.

The ceremony, themed "Celebrating the Legacy", paid extensive tribute to Sir Sam Jonah’s contributions:

• Mining Sector Transformation: He is widely credited with turning Ashanti Goldfields Corporation (AGC) from a Ghanaian state-owned entity into a global mining giant, making it the first Ghanaian and second African company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 1996. This singular achievement showcased African enterprise to the world.
• Corporate Governance Advocate: Beyond mining, Sir Sam Jonah has been a vocal champion for strong, transparent governance, frequently using his platform to criticise corruption and advocate for accountability in the public sector. His recent outspoken addresses, particularly those to professional bodies, have resonated deeply across Ghana's ethical and political landscape.
• Boardroom Influence: His influence spans multiple sectors, having served on the boards of global institutions, including Vodafone Group, the Ecobank Group, and the International Crisis Group.

The award citation highlighted that his leadership exemplified the resilience and potential of African entrepreneurship, cementing him as a figure of global corporate reverence.

The EMY Africa Awards 2025 event was a high-profile affair, drawing over 100 distinguished guests, including political figures, CEOs, and stars across the globe.

The presentation of the Ultimate Man of the Year Award was considered the most anticipated moment of the evening.

The event, in its 10th edition, utilised a massive broadcast network, reaching an estimated 10 million viewers across 15 African countries and garnering significant traction on global streaming platforms.

The honour solidifies Sir Sam Jonah’s place not just as a business leader, but as a moral compass and ultimate role model for young African professionals aspiring to excellence and integrity.

In his acceptance speech, Sir Sam Johah lauded Kojo Soboh, the founder of EMY Africa.

The business magnate stated, "To the team at EMY Africa, for a decade, you have curated a culture of honour. You have told our stories with dignity; you have documented African excellence, not with exaggeration, but with clarity and respect for that. You deserve admiration and have full support."

On his recognition, Sir Jonah noted, "This award, therefore, is not a monument to an individual. Indeed, it is a tribute to every teacher who shaped me, every miner who risked his life underground working with me, every colleague who refused to settle for mediocrity and every Ghanaian and African who gets up every morning determined to make life a little better than it was yesterday."

He added, "I don't see this award as a culmination. I see it as a call, a call to keep contributing, a call to keep mentoring, and a call to keep insisting that Africa's best is still ahead. Indeed, if the calibre of men and women gathered here today is any indication, then the next decade may indeed be the most remarkable chapter in our continent’s story. Thank you, EMY Africa, for this profound honour. Thank you for believing in the possibilities of this continent. May God bless you."

READ ALSO: Full list of winners at the EMY Africa Awards 2025