The Good Samaritan who Vice President Jeremiah Koung claimed in February he “ran into at a hotel in Monrovia” and subsequently gave him a ride on a private jet while traveling to Nigeria was back again in Monrovia on July 19 with new set of “generous” donation.
That Good Samaritan is Ibrahim Mahama. He is the founder of the largest Ghanaian-owned mining company in West Africa including Liberia. He also has interests in consulting, construction, and civil works. This millionaire has a net worth of US$860 million.
In the presence of President Joseph Boakai and deputy Koung Mahama, CEO of Engineers & Planners Ltd, has gifted the Liberia National Police and Liberia Airport Authority with 20 police vehicles and three power generators (1,200 KVA).
Reflecting on his connection with Liberia the businessman said: “When I came here recently, I noticed that the Airport needed help, I didn’t waver and through the help of the Vice President, who was hitting my head and reminding me constantly that the generators and the cars had not come I made sure that I worked with Mark and Kamara who have been very supportive.
“I didn’t know that it was going to come this quick, but I was just reminded that they are here and I had to come. Liberia is like my home. When I run away from Ghana my next stop is Liberia.”
Mr. Mahama’s company, E&P, has a significant impact on Liberia, extending beyond Ghana. E&P was the first to stimulate commercial mining activities in Liberia after a prolonged civil war, winning the contract to mine the iron ore concession for Arcellor Mittal in Yekepa, Liberia, Ghanaian media outlet Citinewsroom reported.
“This contract offered employment to Liberians and other African nationals, contributing to Liberia’s economy through tax and import duty payments. It also facilitated the transfer of knowledge and skills, providing Liberia with experienced human resources for their extractive industry.”
E&P’s entry into Liberia was crucial as most of the workforce had never worked before due to the civil war. E&P took on the responsibility of training young Liberians, providing them with formal work experience before other multinational companies entered Liberia.
He added, “I don’t see myself differently from a Liberian and I grew up with Liberians all my life. It’s all family here. So today, we’ve come to use one stone to kill two birds. And we also supported the IGP and the police service with the number of police cars.
“So today we have come and we want to say thank you for all the support. This is just a small token, we wish to come back again and work with you.”
President Boakai expressed his gratitude to Mr. Mahama for his contribution to Liberia’s development and assured him that the donated items would be utilized effectively.
