The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, has conferred an honorary doctorate degree on renowned Ghanaian businessman, Ibrahim Mahama, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the mining industry, technological innovation, job creation, and philanthropy.
The honour was bestowed during the university’s 18th Special Congregation Ceremony, which attracted several high-profile dignitaries from across Ghana’s political, academic, and business landscape. Among those present were President John Dramani Mahama, who is the elder brother of the award recipient, and former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who currently serves as Chancellor of UMaT.
In his citation, the Vice-Chancellor of UMaT, Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, explained that the decision to honour Ibrahim Mahama was based on his transformative role in Ghana’s mining and mine support services sector. He noted that Mahama, through his flagship company Engineers and Planners Company Limited (E&P), has introduced advanced technologies and innovative operational models that have significantly improved efficiency in mining operations while creating thousands of jobs for Ghanaians.
According to Prof. Amankwah, E&P has become a key partner in Ghana’s mining industry, supporting both multinational and local mining companies with large-scale contract mining services. He added that the company’s success has contributed to capacity building and strengthened indigenous participation in a sector historically dominated by foreign firms.
Both President John Dramani Mahama and former President John Agyekum Kufuor congratulated Ibrahim Mahama on the honour, describing it as well deserved. They commended his commitment to national development, particularly his efforts to build Ghanaian-owned enterprises capable of competing on the global stage.
In his acceptance remarks, Ibrahim Mahama expressed deep appreciation to the university for the recognition, describing it as a humbling moment in his professional journey. He pledged to continue supporting education and innovation and announced plans to return to UMaT in the future to share his personal and entrepreneurial experiences with students, especially those pursuing careers in mining and engineering.
Born on January 29, 1971, in Tamale in the Northern Region, Ibrahim Mahama received his early education at Tamale Senior High School. He later travelled to the United Kingdom, where he studied at the College of North West London. After completing his studies, he returned to Ghana with a determination to build businesses that would contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.
In 1997, he founded Engineers and Planners as a modest heavy equipment rental and civil engineering firm. Over nearly three decades, the company has grown into one of West Africa’s largest indigenous-owned mining and construction firms. E&P has undertaken major mining contracts at sites such as the Tarkwa and Damang mines and currently employs thousands of workers across Ghana and the sub-region.
Beyond contract mining, Mahama has expanded into mine ownership, with E&P controlling key gold assets including the Black Volta and Sankofa Gold Projects. These investments have enhanced Ghanaian ownership and participation along the mining value chain, aligning with national goals of increasing local content in the extractive sector.
His business interests extend beyond mining. Mahama is the force behind Dzata Cement Limited, a Ghanaian cement manufacturing company, as well as Asutsuare Poultry Farms, one of the country’s largest poultry production ventures. He is also involved in the distribution of heavy-duty vehicles through Man Bosch Ghana Limited.
Over the years, his leadership has earned him numerous honours, including African Industrialist of the Year at the African Achievers’ Awards in London and Mining and Engineering CEO of the Year in Ghana.
In addition to his business success, Ibrahim Mahama is widely recognised for his philanthropic efforts. He is a co-founder of the Joyce Tamakloe Cancer Foundation, which focuses on cancer awareness, early detection, and health advocacy across Ghana.
Source: Africa Publicity
