In a recent address, a Ghanaian entrepreneur who established a successful mining venture named Engineers and Planners, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, has emphasised the untapped potential of the African mining industry and called for increased collaboration among countries in the region to harness their collective resources for mutual benefit.

Returning from the UK in 1997, Mr Mahama said he initiated a small rental company, envisioning a business that could generate $50,000 per month. 

However, recognising the abundant opportunities in Ghana and Africa, Mr Mahama explained that he expanded operations, highlighting the critical role of financing in addressing the needs of the local populace.

Mr Mahama was speaking at the second edition of the African Dialogue Series organised by African Prosperity Network (APN) held at Peduase Lodge, Aburi in the Eastern Region on Thursday, January 25, 2024.  

Mr Mahama acknowledged the pivotal support received from forward-thinking banks that propelled the business's growth in Africa.

Subsequently, the venture expanded into various African countries, discovering vast mineral resources such as gold, bauxite, iron ore, and more, he noted.

Highlighting the challenge of a fragmented approach among African nations, Mr Mahama stressed the need for enhanced communication and collaboration between presidents to maximize the benefits of the region's abundant resources. 

Drawing from experiences in Liberia, he emphasised the potential for skills transfer and collaboration to foster economic growth in the region.

“During discussions with the Liberian President, I proposed leveraging Ghana's gold production to strengthen that country's currency and benefit for the entire sub-region,” he said. 

Mr Mahama further encouraged tapping into local talent, citing success stories from other African countries, where skillful Ghanaians contributed significantly to foreign ventures.

He urged a re-evaluation of strategies and collaboration within the sub-region, emphasising that collectively harnessing information and working together could position Africa as an attractive investment destination.

While acknowledging the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Africa, Mr Mahama urged countries to use the crisis as an opportunity for introspection and correction, fostering a renewed commitment to collaboration and development within the African mining industry