WIUC Fireside Chat Sparks Leadership Insights
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| Sir Sam Jonah @ WIUC Fire Side Chat |
The School of Communication Studies at Wisconsin International University College, Ghana (WIUC-GH), on Wednesday hosted a captivating fireside chat with Sir Sam Jonah, the distinguished Ghanaian business executive and former President of AngloGold Ashanti.
The session, themed “My Leadership Journey”, brought together students, faculty, and guests for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and inspiration.
The event formed part of the School’s ongoing seminar series, instituted in 2016 to bridge academia and industry by engaging thought leaders in conversations that inspire and prepare students for real-world challenges.
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| Mrs. Baaba Cofie, Dean School of Communication studies |
Delivering a warm welcome, Mrs. Baaba Cofie, Dean of the School of Communication Studies, described the encounter as an opportunity for students to learn beyond textbooks.
She highlighted the School’s commitment to preparing students for careers in media and communication through practical approaches, while also fostering platforms that encourage storytelling, dialogue, and critical thinking.
“Our goal is to inspire and motivate you so that you will become change makers.
"And what better way to do this than to connect students with industry leaders themselves?
Such an encounter can be a stepping stone in your professional journey, so cherish it,” Mrs. Cofie urged.
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| Dr. Lawrence A. Kannae, President WIUC |
Dr. Lawrence A. Kannae, President of WIUC-GH, also expressed gratitude to Sir Sam Jonah for honoring the invitation, describing him as “a lustrous son of Ghana whose achievements continue to inspire generations.”
Dr. Kannae encouraged students to seize the rare opportunity to engage with a leader of Sir Jonah’s stature, emphasizing the value of mentorship and role models in shaping future leaders.
Taking the podium, Sir Sam Jonah delivered a thought-provoking speech, weaving personal anecdotes with leadership lessons from his career in mining, corporate governance, and global boardrooms.
Reflecting on his rise from Obuasi to the helm of one of the world’s largest mining companies, he stressed the importance of discipline, persistence, and resilience.
“The fiercest competition is not external".
"It is within you the struggle to silence self-doubt, to overcome fear of failure, and to conquer laziness".
"When you win that inner contest, you will have peace,” he said.
Sir Jonah underscored the critical role of communication in leadership, noting that brilliant ideas poorly communicated can have catastrophic consequences.
He cited global corporate crises such as BP’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill and Boeing’s 737 Max crashes to illustrate how poor communication damages trust and reputations.
“Communication is not just a side skill; it is the lifeblood of leadership".
"Words shape worlds."
"Loose words can destroy relationships, businesses, and even nations,” he cautioned.
Addressing students directly, he urged them to design their futures with integrity, creativity, and resilience.
He emphasized that legacy is not measured by titles or wealth but by the lives touched and the impact made.
On the contentious issue of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), Sir Jonah stressed that the menace cannot be addressed without providing alternative livelihoods.
He called for stronger enforcement of existing laws and the involvement of traditional leaders and local communities in finding sustainable solutions.
“It is not the absence of laws, but the absence of enforcement and inclusion that worsens the crisis.
Unless we provide alternatives, people will continue to destroy the environment in search of survival,” he warned.
Throughout his address, Sir Jonah was candid about his own failures, stressing that setbacks are essential stepping stones to success.
“If you are not failing at something, then you are not making progress."
"Failure teaches the lessons that success alone cannot,” he said.
The interactive session ended with a lively question-and-answer period, where students sought advice on leadership, career growth, and navigating challenges in a fast-changing world.
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| Faculty with Sir Sam Jonah |
As Wisconsin International University College celebrates the 10th anniversary of its School of Communication Studies, the fireside chat with Sir Sam Jonah reaffirmed the institution’s role as a hub for thought leadership and mentorship in Ghana’s higher education landscape.
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