How a visit to GHACEM inspired Ibrahim Mahama to build Dzata Cement

Business mogul Ibrahim Mahama has revealed that the idea to establish Dzata Cement began after a visit to a cement plant in Takoradi while he was working as a transporter for mining companies. Speaking at Dzata Cement’s fifth anniversary celebration on October 6, 2026, he recounted how his experience transporting cement from Takoradi to Tarkwa sparked his interest in cement production. According to him, he decided one day to follow his trucks into the GHACEM facility in Takoradi to understand how cement was manufactured. What he saw changed his perception of the industry. Ibrahim Mahama credits Akufo-Addo government, Alan Kyerematen for supporting Dzata Cement “I noticed that to build a cement plant wasn't a difficult thing,” he recalled. Ibrahim Mahama said the observation convinced him that a Ghanaian entrepreneur could establish a cement plant locally. His confidence grew after acquiring a MAN Diesel business, where an employee told him that constructing a cement plant was similar to building a flour mill. The two subsequently travelled to Germany and held discussions with Haver & Boecker, which provided guidance on the structure required for the plant. Armed with the plan, Ibrahim Mahama said he approached banks and convinced them to support the project. Construction began, including work on the foundation, but the project later stalled as the pressure became overwhelming. He credited his younger brother with encouraging him not to abandon the investment after equipment had already been purchased. Another individual he identified subsequently examined the equipment and told him that the major requirement left was funding for installation. Hassan Ayariga challenges BoG over cedi bouquet arrests “You've got every equipment here. You don't need anything. All we need is money to install it,” Ibrahim Mahama recalled. The team then developed a budget and resumed work. To test the installed equipment, the company initially imported cement. Experienced industry personnel were also recruited to help establish operations. The project, however, faced another major difficulty when the company imported cement but lacked sufficient funds to clear it. He said some of the company's distributors stepped in and provided financial support. The imported cement was subsequently allocated to the distributors, helping the young company continue its operations. He said the combination of technical expertise, financial support, distributors and government assistance eventually helped Dzata Cement establish itself. DR/MA How a Visit to GHACEM Inspired Ibrahim Mahama to Build Dzata Cement Ibrahim Mahama Credits Akufo-Addo, Alan Kyerematen for Supporting Dzata cement Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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