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Tag: Ibrahim Mahama

  • Ghana secures first ever dedicated air ambulance …as Ibrahim Mahama donates private Jet to govt

    Ghana secures first ever dedicated air ambulance …as Ibrahim Mahama donates private Jet to govt

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    In a historic boost to Ghana’s emergency healthcare system, renowned businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama has donated a private jet to the state to serve as the nation’s first dedicated air ambulance.

    The move, which has been widely lauded by healthcare professionals and the general public, marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to modernize its medical response capabilities, particularly for critical care and inter-country medical transfers.

    A Lifeline in the Skies

    The aircraft, a sophisticated jet from Mr. Mahama’s private fleet, is expected to be retrofitted with state-of-the-art Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment. Once fully operational, it will provide a rapid response mechanism for transporting patients in critical condition from remote areas to specialized tertiary facilities in Accra and Kumasi, or for emergency evacuations abroad.

    Until now, Ghana has largely relied on commercial flights or ad-hoc arrangements with the Ghana Air Force for medical airlifts processes that are often subject to delays in life-or-death situations.

    Philanthropy with Purpose

    Ibrahim Mahama, the CEO of Engineers & Planners and Dzata Cement, is well-known for his large-scale philanthropic gestures. This latest donation follows a long history of health-related interventions, including his recent sponsorship of a $110,000 emergency medical flight to South Africa for a young leukemia patient and covering the full medical bills of several surgery victims.

    Speaking on the donation, sources close to the businessman noted that the gesture was born out of a desire to ensure that “no Ghanaian life is lost due to the lack of swift transportation for specialized medical care.”

    Boosting the National Ambulance Service

    The donation comes at a time when the government is seeking to integrate more technology and specialized vehicles into the National Ambulance Service (NAS). Health experts believe that a dedicated air ambulance will significantly reduce the mortality rate associated with delays in treating cardiovascular emergencies, trauma from accidents, and complications requiring immediate surgical intervention.

    “This is a game-changer for our emergency services,” a senior official at the Ministry of Health stated. “Having a dedicated plane means we are no longer at the mercy of flight schedules when a life is on the line. This is a patriotic act that sets a new standard for corporate and individual social responsibility in Ghana.”

    Reactions from the Public

    News of the donation has dominated social media discussions, with many Ghanaians praising Ibrahim Mahama for prioritizing the health sector.

    “This isn’t just a donation; it’s a gift of time and hope to families in their darkest hours,” posted one citizen on X (formerly Twitter).

    The aircraft is currently undergoing the necessary administrative and technical handover processes to the Ghana Health Service and the National Ambulance Service. It is expected to be officially commissioned and enter service in the coming weeks, signaling a new era of “healthcare in the skies” for the Ghanaian people.

     

     

     

     

  • E&P secures funding to operationalise Black Volta and Sankofa Gold projects

    E&P secures funding to operationalise Black Volta and Sankofa Gold projects

    Engineers & Planners (E&P) has indicated that it has secured funding to start mine development of the Black Volta and Sankofa gold concessions in the Upper West Region.

    This is after the local mining and engineering company completed the acquisition of the concessions from Azumah Resources Ghana Ltd and Upwest Resources Ghana Ltd.

    The takeover arrangement, registered with the Registrar of Companies and approved by the Minerals Commission, ends nearly two decades of under-investment, legal disputes, and capital shortfalls that kept the concessions dormant.

    However, E&P has further noted it is committed to repaying verified debts associated with the projects.

    Also, the company outlined a structured plan that includes:

    Working with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to audit and confirm loans previously recorded as project investments.

    Repaying genuine debts subject to applicable taxes, to ensure fiscal compliance and safeguard state revenue.

    Deploying secured funding to commence mine construction and operations within the shortest possible time.

    E&P described the acquisition as both a commercial venture and a national duty, pledging to stimulate local economic activity, create jobs, and contribute royalties and taxes to the state.

    Founded in 1997, Engineers & Planners is today recognised as one of Africa’s leading mining and civil engineering companies. Its takeover of the Black Volta and Sankofa concessions represents a significant step in reasserting Ghanaian ownership in a sector long dominated by foreign firms.

    Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Mahama described the acquisition as a turning point for Ghana’s mining industry.

    “This is a proud moment for E&P and for Ghana. Our commitment is to ensure that these projects, which have been dormant for too long, finally deliver real value to our country and its people. We will work transparently with regulators and stakeholders to build mines that create shared prosperity,” he said.

    The Black Volta and Sankofa projects, first granted in 1992, have remained undeveloped for over three decades. E&P says its intervention will not only bring the concessions to life but also deliver wider benefits to host communities in the Upper West Region through infrastructure and social investments.

    With the acquisition now complete, E&P is set to launch an intensive development programme that could set a precedent for Ghanaian-led mining ventures able to compete on the global stage while prioritising national benefit.

  • Headway made in E&P, Azumah Resources impasse

    Headway made in E&P, Azumah Resources impasse

    A statement from Azumah Resources – a party in the impasse over Black Volta gold mine – has confirmed that it has begun mutual negotiation with Engineers and Planners (E&P) for a resolution.

    It described the engagement as ‘confidential’ and ‘in good faith’ as the discussions are based on “. applicable laws, commercial norms and in consultation with the appropriate regulatory bodies.”

    The headway falls in line with the ultimatum given by the Minister of Land and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, some days ago, directing both parties to resolve their differences amicably within seven days, warning that failure to do so will result in a governmental decision “in the best interest of the country”.

    However, the minority in Parliament has raised concerns over the case, indicating that the dispute poses economic, legal and political risks.

    “The unresolved standoff between E&P and Azumah Resources over the Black Volta gold mine is already affecting Ghana’s economy and international image”, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, MP for Mampong said in a statement last week.

    “This mine holds the potential to generate hundreds of direct jobs and thousands more indirectly.”

    The Minority further warn that delays in resolving the impasse mean missed royalties, stalled development funds, and uncertainty for other mining investors looking at Ghana.

    They argue that the impasse has stalled vital mining activity in the Upper West Region, depriving communities and the state of critical economic benefits.

    In a period of economic restructuring, such opportunity costs are hard to justify.

    Politically, the Minority raised concerns about conflicts of interest due to E&P’s perceived links to power. Its founder and Chief executive Ibrahim Mahama is the brother of Ghana’s incumbent President John Dramani Mahama

    “It is as much for the benefit of E&P and its eminent founder that such concerns be properly and effectively managed,” Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong said, warning that institutions like the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) must also observe the ‘do no harm’ principle in ongoing litigation.

    The Caucus has posed six detailed questions to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and insists Parliament must be fully involved before any resolution is finalised.

    “Let this Parliament not be found wanting,” they concluded. “We must uphold the rule of law and protect Ghana’s international standing as a stable mining jurisdiction.”

    The future of Ghana’s highly anticipated US$100 million Black Volta Gold Project (some analysts have revalued it at US$300 million based on the recent surge in gold prices) hangs in the balance, if the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, ultimatum is not met by the two companies embroiled in a dispute over its acquisition.

    In a press release issued days ago, Mr Buah ordered Azumah Resources Limited as well as Engineers & Planners (E&P) to resolve their differences amicably within seven days, warning that failure to do so will result in a governmental decision “in the best interest of the country”.

    This directive injects a new level of urgency into a dispute that threatens the timely commencement of what has been slated to be Ghana’s first large-scale, wholly indigenous gold mining operation.

    The Black Volta Gold Project, a significant venture with US$100 million in financing from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) for its acquisition by E&P, has been hailed as a landmark in Ghanaian-led participation in the extractive sector.

    The minister’s statement, addressed to both companies, explicitly acknowledged “earlier correspondence” and “various press releases and public statements” that have circulated concerning the dispute.

    This suggests a growing public awareness and potential concern over the impasse, which could derail a project championed for its potential to drive local ownership and economic development.

    “I have decided to grant the parties a final period of seven (7) days within which to resolve the matter amicably. Should this period elapse without a mutually agreed resolution, a decision shall be taken in the best interest of the country,” Mr Buah’s statement read, underscoring the government’s determination to see the project proceed.

    While the specifics of the dispute between Azumah Resources and E&P were fully detailed in the minister’s release, it is understood to revolve around the acquisition process and potentially lingering financial claims or operational aspects related to the Black Volta Gold Project.

    Azumah Resources, an Australian gold exploration and development company, has historically held significant interests in the Wa-Lawra region of Ghana, where the Black Volta Project is located.

    E&P, a prominent Ghanaian-owned engineering and construction firm led by Ibrahim Mahama, President John Dramani Mahama’s brother, entered the scene with its ambitious acquisition plans.

    The Minister’s firm stance also included a direct appeal for restraint: “I strongly urge all parties to refrain from addressing this matter through the media and instead focus on constructive dialogue and responsible engagement.”

    This acknowledges that the dispute has already spilt into the public domain through various channels, potentially complicating resolution efforts.

    To facilitate a swift resolution, the Minister has directed the Minerals Commission, Ghana’s mining sector regulator, to “facilitate and support the parties in resolving their difference in order to ensure the timely commencement of the project.”

    The Minerals Commission is mandated to advise the government on mineral policy and ensure compliance with mining laws and regulations.

    Their involvement is crucial in mediating such high-stakes disputes.

    The Black Volta Gold Project is expected to significantly boost Ghana’s gold output and local content in the mining sector.

    Ghana is Africa’s largest gold producer, with an annual output exceeding 4.2 million ounces in 2023. Production is expected to reach up to 5.1 million ounces in 2025. Projects like the Black Volta are seen as vital for increasing value retention within the country, fostering job creation, and strengthening the national economy.

    Delays in such projects due to corporate disputes can have significant economic ramifications, impacting investor confidence and revenue projections.

    All eyes will now be on Azumah Resources and Engineers & Planners this week to see if they can reach a mutually agreeable settlement.

    Failure to do so would trigger direct intervention from the Ministry, with potentially far-reaching implications for the future of the Black Volta Gold Project and the companies involved.

  • Align politics with business’ businessman urges … calls on successful entrepreneurs to mentor 300 youth each

    Seidu Agongo urges alignment of politics with business to drive development.

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    A Ghanaian entrepreneur has called for deliberate efforts to align political administration with business development and empowerment.

     

    The successful businessman believes that is the only way to drive Ghana’s sustainable economic development, warning that the country’s progress will remain stunted if the two do not align.

     

    Seidu Agongo, the Chief Executive of defunct Heritage Bank in an interview last week highlighted the challenges business leaders face and the need for policymakers to deliberately adopt business perspectives into decision-making.

     

    “The only way that we can get Ghana to develop is if politicians align with businessmen”, he said.

     

    “Business people face so many problems to which they have to find solutions, so if you are able to get a businessman to sit with the politician and let him understand the business perspective and share ideas, we’ll go a long way,” he posited.

     

     

    Being a byproduct of political ‘witch-hunting’ with his bank allegedly politically targeted by the former President Akufo-Addo administration, Mr Agongo expressed concern over the lack of practical business experience among some government officials, arguing that many politicians make critical decisions affecting millions without firsthand knowledge of the entrepreneurial landscape.

     

    “Sometimes you have a politician who has never ventured into any business nor registered a company before. He just comes from school and becomes a minister in a particular sector and is supposed to make decisions for 34 million people, including business people,” Mr. Agongo remarked.

     

    Stressing on the fact that Ghana lacks the necessary institutional frameworks to correct policy missteps, he pointed out that this makes it even more crucial for political leaders to engage directly with experienced business figures.

     

    He further suggested that successful entrepreneurs like himself, Ibrahim Mahama, and Zoomlion’s Joseph Siaw Agyepong could make a lasting impact on society by guiding the next generation and helping them avoid costly mistakes.

     

    “Let’s assume I, as a businessman, my brother Ibrahim Mahama as a businessman, and Zoomlion’s Agyepong, as a businessman, decide to adopt 300 kids each and mentor them so they don’t make the mistakes we have made—because some mistakes are grievous – can you imagine the knock-on effect on their families and society in general and the transformation we can make without depending on the World Bank, USAID, etc.? This can turn Ghana around because we become better when we depend on ourselves,” he said.

     

    Mr Agongo’s call comes amid concerns about youth unemployment and the need for local mentorship programmes that reduce reliance on foreign aid and intervention.

     

    He urged business leaders, religious figures, and other influential people to invest their time and resources in grooming young talent.

     

    “Good friends like Ibrahim Mahama, Zoomlion’s Agyepong, most of the businesspeople, pastors, and people in leadership should try as much as possible to adopt at least 200 or 300 young guys and mentor them. Let’s see how best we can build them up to achieve whatever they desire because, at the end of the day, the wealth that we are looking for will not go with us into our grave,” he said.

     

    According to Mr Agongo, a well-mentored generation would be able to sustain and expand the legacies of today’s business leaders, rather than mismanaging inherited wealth.

     

    “When we don’t even give the right training to our kids in life, trust me, they are going to sell it like kelewele,” he cautioned, referring to the popular Ghanaian street food.