Table of Contents
Key Points
- Ibrahim Mahama owns Engineers and Planners (E&P), a leading mining firm in West Africa.
- His businesses impact Ghana’s mining, agriculture, and construction industries.
- Mahama's ventures create jobs and support local industries.
With business interests spanning across several sectors, including mining, construction, agriculture, and real estate, Ibrahim Mahama, a successful Ghanaian entrepreneur, industrialist, and philanthropist, has become a significant force in Africa’s business landscape. His ventures have not only shaped key industries but also created economic opportunities across the continent.
Ibrahim was born in 1971 in Tamale, in the northern part of Ghana, and is the younger brother of the former President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama. He completed his basic education in Ghana before furthering his studies at the College of North West London, where he studied engineering and construction-related disciplines. This educational foundation became instrumental in shaping his future industrial ventures. Despite his privileged upbringing, Ibrahim Mahama has established his own legacy, particularly in business and industrial development.
Billionaires.Africa explores seven major business ventures owned by Ibrahim Mahama and how they are impacting various sectors in Ghana and beyond.
Engineers and Planners: A powerhouse in West African mining
Engineers and Planners (E&P) was founded in 1997 and remains the crown jewel of Ibrahim Mahama’s business portfolio. As one of the largest indigenous mining and construction companies in West Africa, with more than 4,000 employees, E&P provides essential services such as heavy equipment leasing and civil engineering for mining operations. The company operates primarily in Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and has partnered with leading global firms. Under Mahama’s leadership, E&P continues to expand across Africa, cementing its reputation as a key player in the mining industry.
Dzata Cement: Ghana's first fully locally-owned cement brand
To reduce Ghana's reliance on imported construction materials, Mahama established Dzata Cement. As the first Ghanaian-owned cement brand, Dzata Cement boasts a state-of-the-art factory capable of producing millions of tons annually. This has positioned the company competitively in the international market while promoting industrialization within Ghana. Dzata Cement not only supports the local construction sector but also creates employment opportunities, further boosting the country’s economy.
Asutsuare Poultry Farm: Supporting food security
Ibrahim Mahama’s business interests also extend into agriculture. His Asutsuare Poultry Farm is one of the largest in Ghana, producing 150,000 eggs daily and raising 10,000 chicks to meet the country’s growing poultry demand. The farm plays a critical role in supporting food security and contributing to Ghana’s agricultural development, providing high-quality poultry products for the local market.
Mahama’s investment in agriculture highlights his commitment to diversifying his business ventures while helping meet the growing demand for sustainable food sources in Ghana.
Man Bosch Ghana Limited (MBG)
Another of Mahama’s companies, Man Bosch Ghana Limited (MBG), specializes in renting and selling heavy-duty equipment to construction and mining sites in Tema, Ghana. MBG focuses on providing essential machinery such as dumpers, excavators, and bulldozers, which are vital to construction and mining projects. Initially representing MAN Diesel Trucks, MBG has since partnered with Renault Trucks, offering advanced machinery solutions to both local and international clients. The company plays a crucial role in supplying equipment necessary for large-scale industrial undertakings in Ghana.
ArcelorMittal Partnership: Providing expertise in mining services
Mahama’s Engineers and Planners (E&P) has formed a strategic partnership with global steel giant ArcelorMittal. Through this partnership, E&P is instrumental in mining projects, particularly in Liberia and Sierra Leone, where ArcelorMittal is developing iron ore mines. E&P's contribution includes providing civil engineering services, constructing dams, and installing mining plants, underscoring its expertise in large-scale mining operations across West Africa.
Cardinal Gold Mine
In a move to further solidify his presence in the mining sector, Ibrahim Mahama acquired significant shares in the Cardinal Gold Mine. This acquisition strengthens his influence in the gold mining industry, one of Ghana’s top export sectors. The Cardinal Gold Mine project is expected to increase the country’s gold production, making Mahama a key player in the future of Ghana’s emerging gold sector. His strategic stake in the mine, alongside years of experience in the mining industry, positions him as a significant force in the development of Ghana’s gold industry.
Philanthropy
Beyond his business ventures, Ibrahim Mahama is deeply committed to philanthropy. Following the passing of his mother from cancer, he co-founded the Joyce Tamakloe Cancer Foundation, which raises awareness and funds to support hospitals in Ghana in their fight against cancer. Mahama’s philanthropic efforts extend across various sectors, with a focus on improving the living conditions of the underprivileged.
One notable example of his generosity is his recent donation to Presbyterian Senior High School (Presec-Legon) in June 2023, where he provided 500 bags of cement to support the school’s infrastructure projects. This contribution reflects Mahama’s commitment to education and development in Ghana.
