‘We Can Build It Ourselves’ – Ibrahim Mahama Reaffirms Faith in Ghanaian Entrepreneurship

Chief Executive Officer and sole shareholder of Dzata Cement Limited, Ibrahim Mahama, has reaffirmed his confidence in the ability of Ghanaian entrepreneurs to establish and operate large-scale businesses without relying solely on foreign companies.

Speaking at the fifth anniversary celebration of Dzata Cement, Mr Mahama said the establishment of the cement manufacturing company was partly driven by his desire to challenge the perception that Ghanaians could not build and operate a cement plant.

He urged Ghanaian entrepreneurs to be willing to pursue ambitious ventures and demonstrate that locally owned businesses can compete in industries traditionally dominated by foreign companies.

“There are other ventures that I want to prove to Ghanaians that we can’t always be beggars and we can’t only just be employees to foreign companies. We can build it ourselves,” he said.

Mr Mahama recounted how his earlier experience as a cement transporter and mining contractor influenced his decision to venture into cement manufacturing.

He said that while transporting cement, he once followed his trucks to Ghacem in Takoradi, where he took the opportunity to observe the production process.

After studying the operations, he said he became convinced that establishing a cement manufacturing plant in Ghana was achievable.

“I looked at the structure and said, look, I could build one,” he recalled.

Mr Mahama subsequently travelled to Germany, where he engaged equipment manufacturers as part of efforts to establish the plant. He also secured financing from banks to support the project.

He said the construction and installation of the plant, however, came with significant financial and operational challenges.

According to him, the project eventually received crucial support from his younger brother and other individuals who assisted with completing the installation of the equipment.

Mr Mahama also acknowledged the contribution of distributors who supported Dzata Cement during its early stages, particularly when the company faced difficulties raising funds to clear imported cement.

He said the distributors rallied behind the company and helped ensure that the cement reached the market.

“They all joined hands together, the cement came, we allocated it to them, and then Dzata Cement started,” he said.

The businessman further expressed appreciation to former Trade Minister Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen for his support for the project during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Mr Mahama said Mr Kyerematen played an important role in supporting the establishment of Dzata Cement.

“Alan, wherever you are, I’m giving you a thumbs up. Thank you very much for standing behind us,” he said.

The fifth anniversary celebration provided Mr Mahama with an opportunity to reflect on Dzata Cement’s journey, the challenges encountered in establishing the plant and the support received from individuals and business partners.

He reiterated his commitment to demonstrating that Ghanaian entrepreneurs can undertake major industrial projects and build locally owned businesses capable of contributing significantly to Ghana’s economic development.