The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) has conferred an honorary Doctor of Science degree upon renowned businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama.

The honour, bestowed during the university’s 18th Special Congregation on Saturday, January 31, 2026, recognises Mr Mahama’s nearly three-decade contribution to the mining and construction sectors.

The event was graced by President John Dramani Mahama as the special guest of honour, alongside former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who serves as the university’s Chancellor.

Accepting the degree, the founder of Engineers & Planners (E&P) used his platform to inspire a new generation of professionals, emphasising that while he followed a non-traditional path, his success was built on rigorous discipline and a sense of responsibility.

“To be conferred with this honorary doctorate degree is not merely a personal honour; it is a recognition of what is possible when determination meets opportunity, when vision is pursued with unwavering discipline, and when success is shared with those who need it most,” he said.

Addressing the graduates, he added a reminder: “Do not let anyone tell you that formal education is the only path to greatness. Vision, focus, and hard work are what turn dreams into reality.”

Mr Mahama’s journey began in 1997 with a small equipment rental firm that has since evolved into West Africa’s largest indigenous mining and construction company.

A key highlight of his address was the Black Volta Gold Project, which stands as a symbol of national pride in an industry historically dominated by foreign multinationals.

“For the first time, a large-scale gold mining asset in Ghana is 100 percent owned and controlled by Ghanaians. This is a statement that we can lead in capital-intensive industries once dominated by others,” Mr Mahama stressed.

Turning his gaze to the technological frontier, the business mogul lauded UMaT’s forward-thinking approach, specifically its collaboration with the Ghana Chamber of Mines to establish an AI Robotics Centre.

“AI presents profound challenges, but it also unlocks extraordinary opportunities, enhancing safety, improving efficiency, and even helping to combat illegal mining,” he noted.

In a move to ensure his legacy contributes to the sector's future, UMaT announced the establishment of the Ibrahim Mahama Institute for Precious and Green Ghana, which will focus on sustainable mining and environmental stewardship.

The ceremony took a personal turn when President John Dramani Mahama took the podium to congratulate his younger brother. He recalled how Ibrahim’s industrial instincts were visible long before he became a CEO.

“Even as children, Ibrahim displayed remarkable entrepreneurial instincts, always thinking of ways to create, build, and provide. I, on the other hand, have always been drawn to speaking and persuasion. It is inspiring to see how Ibrahim has turned his early entrepreneurial spark into a force for national development,” the President remarked.