Ibrahim Mahama Inspects New 30-Truck Fleet in Tarkwa | Discuss Ghana

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, the CEO of Engineers and Planners (E&P), Ibrahim Mahama, conducted a high-level inspection of a newly delivered batch of 30 Caterpillar 785D dump trucks at the company’s operational hub in Tarkwa, Western Region.

The delivery is part of a massive fleet expansion following E&P's record-breaking $205 million financing deal secured earlier this month to scale its hard-rock mining operations with Gold Fields Ghana.

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Boosting Haulage and Efficiency

The addition of these 30 units is designed to provide an immediate boost to the company’s production capacity at the Tarkwa and Damang mines:

Production Power: The Caterpillar 785D is a "next-generation" haul truck with a net load capacity of 133 tons (approx. 141 metric tonnes), making it ideal for the high-volume earthmoving required at Gold Fields’ sites.

Efficiency Reset: Ibrahim Mahama noted that the new fleet features advanced electronic powertrain controls and Cat Product Link technology, which allows for real-time data tracking to minimize downtime and lower the "cost-per-ton".

Local Expertise: The CEO emphasized that the trucks will be operated and maintained by an all-Ghanaian technical team, reinforcing E&P’s position as a leader in "indigenous excellence" within the mining sector.

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A Strategic Expansion Move

This inspection marks a major milestone in E&P’s transition from a contractor to a potential mine owner:

Syndicated Support: The trucks were acquired using the $205 million facility arranged by Stanbic Bank and Standard Bank, with support from Absa and Ecobank.

Targeting 45% Market Share: Ibrahim Mahama recently revealed that E&P now controls approximately 45% of mining operations in Ghana and is using this new equipment to eye an even larger role in the "National Reset" of the extractive industry.

Damang Handover Preparation: The timing of the delivery is critical, as E&P is currently the frontrunner to take over full operational control of the Damang Gold Mine when Gold Fields formally exits on April 18, 2026.

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Caterpillar 785D: The Specs

Feature	Specification
Engine Model	Cat 3512C HD
Gross Power	1,450 hp (1,081 kW)
Net Payload	133–141 Metric Tonnes
Top Speed (Loaded)	54.8 km/h
Technology	360-degree cameras, touchscreen controls

"We are strengthening our capacity to deliver on large-scale mining contracts to the highest global standards while deepening local participation. This fleet shows that 'E&P Can Do' more for Ghana." — Ibrahim Mahama, March 21, 2026.