At the Ghana Legacy Honours in 2017, Sir Sam Jonah delivered a speech that was both humorous and deeply inspiring, reflecting on his journey through countless failures and setbacks. Known for his resilience, he opened with a light-hearted remark: “Ladies and gentlemen, good evening,” he said, smiling. “This is my fifth lifetime achievement award. When you get to my age, you become rather cynical.”
Sam Jonah recalled his first lifetime achievement award in the late 1990s, at a time when the gold mining industry had collapsed. “The ceremony for only me was held in a museum,” he joked. “I took the hint that I had become a relic.”
Despite the humour, his message carried a profound truth. “The real story about me,” he revealed, “has not been told. It has to do with the many setbacks, the many failures, and the many challenges I’ve faced.”
Sam Jonah candidly admitted that his journey had not been smooth. “I’ve had more failures and setbacks in my life than successes,” he shared. Yet, he stressed the importance of persistence, quoting Winston Churchill: “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”
His mantra, “Never, never give up,” encapsulates his approach to overcoming adversity. He also acknowledged the vital role of his family, saying, “I could not have done it without the unfailing love and support of my dear wife, Giselle, and my children.”
Sam Jonah’s story is one of perseverance and resilience, reminding us that courage and support from loved ones can help us overcome even the toughest challenges. His words continue to inspire many to keep going, no matter how many times they stumble along the way.
Inspiring Net 