The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, has conferred an honorary Doctorate Degree on Ghanaian businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners Company Limited (E&P), Mr Ibrahim Mahama, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the mining industry and his extensive philanthropic work.

The award was the highlight of UMaT’s 18th Special Congregation Ceremony, which was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, who is Mr Mahama’s brother, and former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the Chancellor of the University.

In his citation, the Vice Chancellor of UMaT, Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, said Mr Mahama and his company, Engineers and Planners, have introduced significant innovation and advanced technology into Ghana’s mining and mine support services sector. He noted that these interventions have enhanced efficiency, strengthened local capacity and led to the creation of thousands of jobs.

President John Dramani Mahama and former President John Agyekum Kufuor both congratulated Mr Mahama for his distinguished service to the mining industry and his role in promoting Ghanaian participation in the sector.

In his response, Mr Mahama expressed gratitude to the University for the honour and pledged to return to UMaT to share his life experiences and entrepreneurial journey with students to inspire future generations.

Born on January 29, 1971, in Tamale in the Northern Region, Ibrahim Mahama attended Tamale Senior High School before furthering his education at the College of North West London in the United Kingdom. He later returned to Ghana to pursue business ventures.

In 1997, he founded Engineers and Planners as a heavy equipment rental and civil engineering company. The firm has since grown into one of West Africa’s largest indigenous-owned mining and construction companies, undertaking major mining contracts in Ghana and the sub-region, including operations at the Tarkwa and Damang mines.

Beyond contract mining, E&P has expanded into mine ownership, controlling strategic gold concessions such as the Black Volta and Sankofa Gold Projects, thereby deepening Ghanaian participation in the mining value chain.

Mr Mahama has also diversified into other sectors of the economy, including cement manufacturing through Dzata Cement Limited, large-scale poultry production at Asutsuare Poultry Farms, and heavy-duty vehicle distribution through Man Bosch Ghana Limited.

His leadership and impact in business have earned him several honours, including African Industrialist of the Year at the African Achievers’ Awards in London and Mining and Engineering CEO of the Year in Ghana.

He is also widely recognised for his philanthropic efforts, notably as a co-founder of the Joyce Tamakloe Cancer Foundation, which supports cancer awareness and health initiatives across the country.