Ghana needs more homegrown manufacturing giants - Ibrahim Mahama

Ibrahim Mahama, the CEO of Dzata Cement, has emphasized the need for Ghana to cultivate more locally owned manufacturing companies to bolster the nation's industrial resilience. This assertion comes amid persistent challenges faced by Ghana's manufacturing sector, which continues to lack significant indigenous businesses operating at a large scale, despite calls for increased local production and industrialization.

During the fifth-anniversary celebration of Dzata Cement, Mahama urged Ghanaian business owners to have greater faith in their capacity to manufacture locally, rather than relying heavily on foreign enterprises. He lamented the long-standing tendencies for Ghanaians to remain subservient to foreign powers, and argued that there are numerous opportunities for the nation to break free from this cycle of dependency.

Mahama believes that building a stronger manufacturing sector extends beyond establishing businesses; it involves creating an environment that encourages Ghanaian entrepreneurs to take risks and foster industries capable of enduring beyond a single generation. To achieve this, he emphasizes the importance of parents and business owners nurturing their children's entrepreneurial ambitions and providing the necessary support to navigate the inherent risks of running a business.

Mahama's daughter, Nafisa Ibrahim, serves as a testament to this approach, currently serving as the Managing Director of Dzata Cement. Mahama shared his personal business philosophy, which revolves around running the company together with his children during their formative years, educating them in the process, and eventually retiring once they have acquired the necessary expertise. Through this strategy, Mahama aims to instill a sense of self-reliance and determination in the next generation of Ghanaians.