Renowned business magnate, Sir Sam Jonah, has unequivocally refuted rumors suggesting his potential candidacy as former President John Mahama's running mate for the upcoming 2024 elections.

The former head of the Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited has firmly stated that he has no interest in pursuing such a role.

In a statement on Metro TV’s ‘Good Evening Ghana’ he said, “Anyone who knows me well will attest to the fact that I have no interest whatsoever in going into the murky world of politics.”

According to Mr Sam Jonah, he turned down offers to be Vice President under former President Jerry John Rawlings in the 1990s.

“As a matter of fact, if I was interested, I would have been Vice President in 1992 and 1996 when I was offered the position on a silver platter,” he explained.

Some media outlets have speculated that Mr Jonah will be the NDC flagbearer John Mahama’s running mate, but he has described it as “worthless speculation.”

The last time former President Mahama contested in the presidential elections, he chose former Education Minister, Nana Jane Opoku Agyemang as his running mate.

Mr. Sam Jonah is widely recognized globally as an esteemed business icon, renowned for his remarkable achievements. His notable career began in 1986 when he assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer at Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited. Under his leadership, the company expanded from a single-mine operation into a multinational corporation.

A significant milestone was reached in 1996 when Ashanti became the first operating African company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, while already having listings in London and Ghana.

In May 2004, Mr. Jonah took on the role of Executive President at AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, following the merger of Ashanti with AngloGold Limited. This new entity became the world's second-largest gold producer.

Mr. Jonah's contributions to the business world have been widely recognized. In 2003, he was honored with an Honorary Knighthood as Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II and Head of the Commonwealth. Furthermore, he was bestowed with Ghana's highest national award, the Companion of the Order of the Star, in 2006.

His impact and influence have been acknowledged on multiple occasions. In December 2004, CNN and Time Magazine included him in their list of the world's top 25 most influential business people, applauding his leadership, ethical practices, marketing expertise, and innovative approaches. Additionally, Mr. Jonah has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, including five Lifetime Achievement awards, the most recent being the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.