Prominent businessman and Chancellor of Cape Coast University, Sir Sam Jonah says the current crop of leaders has failed to lead exemplary lives for the younger generation to emulate.
According to him, the world has been hit by a multitude of problems that most world leaders have turned a blind eye to.
Speaking to the 2024 graduating class of Morgan State University in Baltimore, USA, over the weekend, he explained that most of these consequences would be faced by the younger generation.
“Through no fault of yours, a different world with various, and evolving, challenges awaits you. While many forebears may find cold comfort in progress made in certain aspects of life, I am not afraid to say in candour and humility that my generation has not been kind to you. We have left for you a world riddled with wars, famine, disease, racial and gender discrimination, and a multitude of problems,” he said.
He added that all around the world, issues including geopolitical and socio-economic challenges are glaring in the face of leadership, yet nothing appears to be done.
Sir Jonah said that when the young arise and criticise world leadership for bad governance, the leaders must accept the blame.
“The current global landscape is deeply influenced by a myriad of geopolitical and socio-economic challenges across all continents, highlighting the intricate interdependencies, and the urgent need for radical action. Societal divisions have intensified.
“Sadly, all these seemingly intractable global crises reveal a paucity of humane, decisive, just, and provident leadership. It is instructive for the old to listen in humility when the young today say with anger and pain that my generation has failed them,” he added.
Despite the leadership crisis, Sir Jonah advised young people to engage in the political process, as their participation would help elect more capable leaders into governance positions.
Additionally, the businessman advised the graduates to add the right attitude to their qualifications, as a degree alone was not enough to attain success.
“In all you do, remember that whilst your aptitude is a great asset, it is your attitude that will get you ahead,” he advised.
Credit: Connielove Mawutornyo Dzodzegbe
