Business mogul Ibrahim Mahama has expressed confidence in Ghanaians' ability to build large-scale businesses. He made this statement at the fifth anniversary celebration of Dzata Cement, a Portland cement production factory in Tema. Mr. Mahama, Founder, Sole Shareholder and Group Chief Executive Officer of DZATA Holdings, said his motivation for establishing Dzata Cement was to demonstrate that Ghanaians could conceive, finance, build and operate major industrial businesses.
Dzata Cement, the only wholly Ghanaian-owned cement manufacturing company, marked five years of operations, showcasing proof that indigenous companies can thrive in all areas. The company's journey represents more than the establishment of a manufacturing plant; it is a demonstration of the entrepreneurial vision of the founder of DZATA Holdings. Mr. Mahama weathered significant financial, operational and market challenges to establish the company as a growing and recognised brand in the country's construction industry.
The cement manufacturing operation, located on a 10-acre plot near Tema Port, represents an investment of more than $100 million. The plant uses technology from German equipment developer Haver & Boecker to produce Portland Cement, with bagging lines capable of averaging 120 bags per minute. The company says its current operations have a capacity of about 80,000 bags a day, equivalent to approximately two million tonnes annually.
Mr. Mahama also urged those in leadership to challenge younger people with responsibility to help nurture a new generation of "doers who can take over from the current generation." He said he had deliberately stepped away from the day-to-day management of Dzata Cement to give younger leaders the opportunity to take risks, acquire experience and develop their managerial capabilities. His daughter, Nafisa Mahama, serves as Managing Director of Dzata Cement.
Mr. Mahama traced the origins of Dzata Cement to his days as a cement transporter and mining contractor. His involvement in transporting cement gave him the opportunity to observe the industry closely, including the manufacturing and distribution processes. Rather than seeing the enterprise as beyond the reach of a Ghanaian entrepreneur, the experience convinced him that he could build a similar facility.
The project, however, was confronted by significant financial and operational difficulties during construction and installation. At a critical stage, Mr. Mahama's younger brother and other individuals provided support that helped complete the installation of the equipment. He paid tribute to distributors who stood by the company during its difficult early period, including former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen.
The Managing Director of Dzata Cement, Nafisa Mahama, expressed gratitude to customers whose confidence had helped the company reach the milestone. She thanked distributors, describing them as an essential part of the company's journey, and acknowledged that some distributors had remained with Dzata Cement even during periods when the company faced significant challenges.
Key points
- Ibrahim Mahama's Dzata Cement has reached a production milestone, expected to produce its 30 millionth bag of cement within days.
