President John Dramani Mahama has lauded his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, for his remarkable rise as a mining entrepreneur and philanthropist during the 18th Special Congregation Ceremony of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT).
Speaking to graduates, faculty, and dignitaries, President Mahama recounted how Ibrahim’s fascination with machinery from a young age laid the foundation for his career.
“From a young age, he was fascinated by machines. If you gave him a toy, by the next day he would have taken it apart to see what made it move,” he said.
The former president explained that during the family’s exile, Ibrahim and some of the younger siblings were sent to England to continue their education and remain out of trouble in Ghana.
While abroad, Ibrahim nurtured his interests in airplanes, motorcycles, and heavy machinery engineering, which would later define his professional path.
In England, Ibrahim met an Irish contractor facing financial difficulties. Together, they brought bulldozers and excavators to Ghana, renting them to mining companies.
This venture led to the establishment of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama’s first step into the mining sector.
At the time, Ghanaian companies were barred from contracting directly with major mining firms, with Australian and Canadian companies dominating the market.
Ibrahim began as a subcontractor for African Mining Services (AMS), demonstrating a consistent ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Over time, he helped open the way for the first indigenous Ghanaian mining companies to secure direct contracts with major firms.
Today, Ibrahim Mahama is recognized as one of West Africa’s largest mining subcontractors, with operations spanning multiple countries.
Beyond his business achievements, he is a committed philanthropist, supporting initiatives in education, health, and youth empowerment.
His efforts include scholarships for students, constructing schools, and funding local health programs in underserved communities.
President Mahama also highlighted the role of Sam Jonah, a veteran Ghanaian mining executive and former CEO of Ashanti Goldfields Company, who has mentored Ibrahim throughout his career noting their close partnership:
“I call them Tom and Jerry because you cannot see one without the other,” he said, emphasizing how mentorship contributed to Ibrahim’s success in the mining sector.
Through his professional accomplishments and philanthropic work, Ibrahim Mahama has emerged as a leading figure in Ghanaian enterprise, demonstrating both entrepreneurial vision and a commitment to giving back to society.