Ibrahim Mahama reaffirms belief in Ghanaian entrepreneurship

Ibrahim Mahama, CEO and sole shareholder of Dzata Cement Limited, has urged Ghanaians to have greater trust in their entrepreneurial capabilities. Speaking at the company's fifth anniversary event, Mahama highlighted his motivation to demonstrate that Ghanaian entrepreneurs could challenge industries typically dominated by foreign businesses.

He encouraged the public not to restrict themselves to merely working for or consuming goods from foreign-owned enterprises, but to actively develop their own businesses. Mahama recounted his personal journey into cement manufacturing, inspired by his past roles in cement transport and mining. Inspired by observing the Ghacem plant in Takoradi, he believed he could establish a cement factory.

His ambition led him to Germany to acquire the necessary equipment and secure funding for the project, though he faced significant financial and operational challenges. Mahama credited his younger brother and supporters for helping the company overcome these hurdles during its early stages. He also thanked distributors who supplied cement when the company struggled to raise funds for imported materials.

Mahama praised former Trade Minister Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen for his support under the previous administration. He encouraged current business leaders to provide opportunities for younger generations to learn and take on leadership roles within their enterprises. Mahama stressed the importance of gradually involving children in family businesses, training them, and eventually transferring responsibilities upon retirement.

He recalled a conversation with a former Ghacem executive, Morten, who had doubted the feasibility of a Ghanaian establishing a cement manufacturing plant, to which Mahama responded, "I said, Morten, you're lying. I pray you live and see this plant being built."