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Founders’ Biographies

Sam E. Jonah

Visionary Entrepreneur and Founding Chairman

Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, KBE, OSG, widely known as Sam E. Jonah, is a Ghanaian business magnate, mining executive, and global statesman whose legacy in the natural resources sector spans over four decades. As the founding Chairman of Royal Gold Ashanti Ltd., Sam Jonah brought with him a wealth of experience, international networks, and an unshakable belief in Africa’s ability to harness its natural resources for the benefit of its people.

Early Life and Education

Born in Obuasi, Ghana — the heart of the country’s gold mining industry — Sam Jonah’s roots in mining run deep. He pursued his higher education at the Camborne School of Mines in the United Kingdom, where he earned a First-Class degree in Mining Engineering. He later obtained a Master of Science in Mine Management from Imperial College, University of London.

Career Highlights

Sam Jonah’s professional journey began at Ashanti Goldfields Corporation (AGC), where he joined as a trainee miner and rose through the ranks to become Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, AGC was transformed from a state-owned enterprise into a global gold producer listed on the London and New York Stock Exchanges — a historic achievement for a sub-Saharan African company at the time. He has served in advisory and executive roles across international institutions and global boards, including:

  • AngloGold Ashanti
  • Standard Bank Group of South Africa
  • Menzies Aviation
  • Investment Climate Facility for Africa (ICF)
  • International Finance Corporation (IFC)
2007

Founding Royal Gold Ashanti

In 2007, Sam Jonah co-founded Royal Gold Ashanti with the vision of creating an indigenous mining company that would:

  • Compete on the global stage
  • Prioritize sustainability and local empowerment
  • Preserve Africa’s wealth for future generations

With a focus on operational excellence, responsible mining, and regional economic transformation, Sam Jonah established Royal Gold Ashanti as a model of modern African entrepreneurship rooted in ethics, innovation, and inclusion.

2007

Recognition & Awards

  • Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for his contributions to the mining industry
  • Honored with numerous doctorates and international awards for leadership in business and philanthropy
  • Named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential People

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Founders’ Biographies

Late Prof. John Evans Atta Mills

Statesman, Academic & Founding Partner

Professor John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills (1944–2012) was a distinguished academic, legal scholar, and the third President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. He was a co-founder and spiritual pillar behind the establishment of Royal Gold Ashanti, serving as an advocate for ethical mining, inclusive development, and national industrialization. Although he passed away prior to the formal incorporation of the company, his foundational vision, values, and networks heavily influenced its creation and direction. As a close friend and trusted advisor to Sam E. Jonah, Prof. Mills played a vital role in the strategic planning and conception of the company.

Academic Excellence

Born in Tarkwa, Ghana — another gold-rich region — Prof. Mills earned his LLB from the University of Ghana, followed by a Ph.D. in Taxation Law from the University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies). He was a visiting professor and Fulbright Scholar at Stanford Law School and the University of Leiden, and taught law for over 25 years at the University of Ghana, Legon.

Public Service & Presidency

Prof. Mills served as:

  • Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  • Vice President of Ghana (1997–2001)
  • President of Ghana (2009–2012)

His presidency was marked by a focus on economic stability, anti-corruption reforms, and social equity. He advocated for responsible resource management and saw the mining industry as a potential catalyst for inclusive economic development — a belief he carried into the founding of Royal Gold Ashanti.

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2007

Legacy in Royal Gold Ashanti

As a founding member and moral compass of the company, Prof. Mills envisioned a mining company that:

  • Operated transparently and equitably
  • Contributed to national development
  • Supported education and community advancement

His philosophies on social justice, environmental stewardship, and local empowerment remain embedded in Royal Gold Ashanti’s corporate DNA.

2007

A Legacy of Purpose-Driven Leadership

Together, Sam E. Jonah and Prof. John Evans Atta Mills built more than a company — they built a legacy platform for African excellence. Their combined experiences in industry and governance created a solid foundation for Royal Gold Ashanti to thrive as a model of ethical leadership, community investment, and operational success.

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