Ibrahim Mahama
The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) at Tarkwa in the Western Region, has awarded an honorary doctorate degree to Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist, Ibrahim Mahama.
Mr. Mahama, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Engineers and Planners, was honoured for his significant contributions to the mining industry, job creation, and philanthropy.
The degree was presented at UMaT’s 18th Special Congregation held on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
The university also announced the establishment of the Ibrahim Mahama Institute for Sustainable Processing of Precious, Critical and Green Minerals in honour of the philanthropist.
The institute will focus on sustainable mining and environmental stewardship.
Present at the well-attended programme was Mr. Mahama’s brother, President John Dramani Mahama, who was the special guest of honour.
The brief conferment ceremony was performed by the Council Chair of UMaT, Prof. Mrs. Goski Alabi.
In his acceptance speech, Ibrahim Mahama expressed gratitude and described the honour as a recognition of what determination, discipline, and opportunity can achieve outside traditional academic pathways.
“To be conferred with this honorary doctorate degree is not merely a personal honour; it is a recognition of what is possible when determination meets opportunity, when vision is pursued with unwavering discipline, and when success is shared with those who need it most,” he noted.
He commended UMaT for its impact on Ghana’s mining sector, adding, “UMaT has long been a beacon of excellence in mining education, producing the majority of the men and women who manage mines not only in Ghana but across Africa.”
Addressing global trends, he highlighted Artificial Intelligence (AI) as both a challenge and opportunity.
“AI presents profound challenges, but it also unlocks extraordinary opportunities, enhancing safety, improving efficiency, and even helping to combat illegal mining,” the businessman said.
He praised UMaT for its AI Robotics Centre, established in collaboration with the Ghana Chamber of Mines, as a strategic investment for an AI-driven future.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Mr. Mahama recounted founding Engineers & Planners back in 1997, which has grown into the largest Ghanaian-owned mining and construction firm in West Africa.
“What began as a small indigenous company has, through hard work and the dedication of Ghanaians, grown into a business that employs thousands and contributes significantly to national development,” he shared.
He also highlighted the Black Volta Gold Project as a landmark achievement.
“For the first time, a large-scale gold mining asset in Ghana is 100 percent owned and controlled by Ghanaians. This is a statement that we can lead in capital-intensive industries once dominated by others,” Ibrahim Mahama stressed.
Beyond business, he reaffirmed his commitment to philanthropy, inspired by his late mother, Joyce Tamakloe.
“True wealth is measured by what we give away, by the lives we touch, and the opportunities we create for others,” he noted.
He, therefore, urged young people and graduates to embrace discipline, innovation, and integrity.
“Do not let anyone tell you that formal education is the only path to greatness, vision, focus, and hard work are what turn dreams into reality,” he stated.
Mr. Mahama dedicated the honorary doctorate to Ghanaian workers, partners, and communities who have supported his journey.
In his remarks, President John Dramani Mahama congratulated his brother while praising his entrepreneurial instincts, recalling that his brother’s business acumen was evident from childhood.
“Even as children, Ibrahim displayed remarkable entrepreneurial instincts, always thinking of ways to create, build, and provide,” he said.
“On the other hand, I have always been drawn to politics. It is inspiring to see how Ibrahim has turned his early entrepreneurial spark into a force for national development,” the President pointed out.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Tarkwa