President John Dramani Mahama has paid glowing tribute to the honouree of the 18th Special Congregation of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa on Saturday, January 31, 2026, his younger brother, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, who was awarded an honorary doctorate for his outstanding contribution to Ghana’s mining services sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, the president reflected on their family background, noting that while their late father combined politics and entrepreneurship, the two brothers followed different paths.

“I took the political path, and my brother took the entrepreneurial path,” he said, adding humorously that while he could speak, his brother could “do many things better,” acknowledging the impact of enterprise in national development.

President Mahama recounted Ibrahim Mahama’s early fascination with machines, recalling that as a child he was always curious about how things worked. This passion, he said, followed him to England during a period when the family lived abroad, where he further developed his interest in engineering and heavy-duty machinery.

That interest eventually led to a partnership that brought excavators and other equipment to Ghana and marked the beginning of his journey in the mining services industry. At a time when Ghanaian companies were largely excluded from direct contracts with major mining firms, Ibrahim Mahama started with subcontracting work, including engagements with African Mining Services (AMS).

Through consistency, discipline and reliability, the president said, his brother proved his capacity to deliver projects on time and within budget, gradually breaking barriers for indigenous Ghanaian companies. This progress paved the way for the first locally owned firms to secure direct contracts with large-scale mining companies.

President Mahama acknowledged the role of mentors in this journey, singling out Mr Sam Jonah for his guidance and support, and praised Ibrahim Mahama for building what has become one of the largest mining subcontracting companies in West Africa, and possibly on the African continent.

Addressing public perceptions, the president stressed that his brother’s success was not driven by political advantage, noting that Ibrahim Mahama had often faced stricter scrutiny whenever he was in office. He added that the company had grown most significantly during periods when he was not president, underscoring its resilience and independence.

The president also highlighted Ibrahim Mahama’s commitment to philanthropy and indigenous ownership, expressing confidence in the company’s future, including its ambition to support Ghana’s first fully indigenous gold mining operation.

Turning to the graduates and students of UMaT, President Mahama reminded them that education is both a privilege and a responsibility. He urged them to use their knowledge not only to earn a living but to contribute meaningfully to national development through innovation, discipline and unwavering service to Ghana.