The Chief Executive Officer of Engineers & Planners Limited, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, has donated 20 police vehicles and three electricity power generators (1,200 KVA) to the Liberia Airport Authority in Monrovia.

The business mogul made this presentation before the President of Liberia Joseph Boakai, and his Vice President, Jeremiah Koung, on July 21.

Speaking at the presentation in Monrovia, Liberia, Mr Mahama said he had noticed a need in the Liberia Airport Authority and, considering his long-standing relationship with the country, he thought it wise to donate to help alleviate the burden on the government.

“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,” he said.

Mr Mahama stated that Liberia was a home away from home for him; hence, he felt it was only right to donate to the country and contribute his quota to its growth and development.

“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. I think I would also apply for my Liberian passport, Mr. Mahama said, which drew laughter from those present at the ceremony. Thank you very much,” he added.

The President thanked the CEO for the kind gesture and his overall contribution to the development of Liberia. In the words of the president, the 20 police cars and the generators came at the right time, and he promised they would be put to good use.

Ibrahim Mahama has a healthy and longstanding business relationship with Liberia. His impact is not only limited to Ghana, his company E&P was the first to open up the Liberian economy to commercial mining activities after over two decades of civil war when they won the contract to mine the iron ore concession for Arcellor Mittal in Yekepa Liberia.

The Liberian contract provided employment opportunities for both Liberians and other African nationals who were employed for the project, in addition to contributions to the Liberian economy in terms of payment of taxes and import duties.

 The transfer of knowledge through the Arcellor Mittal contract, today, has created the opportunity for Liberia to have access to top-level and experienced human resources for their extractive industry, which eventually benefits the economy of Liberia.

It can be said at the time E&P entered Liberia, the majority of the working force had never worked before, as those who were working just before the civil war, the majority had passed their prime and were over 60 years old. The onus thus fell on E&P to train the Liberian youth in their 20s and 30s and give them the opportunity to have formal work experience before other multinationals started entering Liberia.