The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for appointing Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority (VRA), describing him as a wise and deserving choice.

According to Nana Nketsia V, Obeng-Kenzo is eminently qualified to lead Ghana’s primary energy-generating entity, citing his extensive experience and proven leadership at the Authority.

The traditional leader, who also serves as the Omanhene of the Essikado (British Sekondi) Traditional Area, made these remarks when Obeng-Kenzo and his delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Essikado Palace.

The visit aimed to formally introduce the new Acting CEO and discuss key operational issues concerning the VRA, particularly at the Aboadze Thermal Power Enclave.

Obeng-Kenzo was accompanied by a delegation that included:

Dr. Ebenezer Tagoe – Deputy CEO (Finance) Samuel O. Lamptey – Director of Thermal Generation Nana Yaw Binfoh – Manager, Office of the Chief Executive Francis Kobena Abban – Manager, Communications and Branding Alexander Duncan-Reynolds – Acting Plant Manager (TTPS) Geoffrey Kweku Barnes – Maintenance Manager

Also in attendance were Nana Kwesi Agyemang IX, the Paramount Chief of Lower Dixcove and Vice President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, along with other elders of the Essikado Traditional Area.

During the event, Mr. Obeng-Kenzo was offered a ceremonial seat traditionally reserved for esteemed guests, symbolizing recognition and respect for his contributions to the energy sector.

Additionally, Nana Nketsia V directed his elders to perform a libation in honour of the VRA leader.

Nana Nketsia V highlighted Obeng-Kenzo’s pivotal role in resolving Ghana’s 2013-2016 energy crisis, during which he ensured the availability and operational efficiency of the VRA’s thermal energy assets.

"Ghanaians should acknowledge your contributions during that critical period," Nana Nketsia V, a former VRA Board Member, stated.

He recalled first meeting Obeng-Kenzo as a young engineer at the Aboadze Thermal Plant over two decades ago and expressed confidence in his ability to steer the VRA to greater heights.

"Continue to guide the VRA with effectiveness, efficiency, and a collaborative spirit," he urged, adding that his leadership could one day earn him recognition among the Authority’s greatest engineers.

 

Nana Nketsia V also praised the dedicated engineers and staff of the VRA, emphasizing the Authority’s contributions beyond electricity generation. He commended the VRA’s efforts in:

Education and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives Community development programs Healthcare services, highlighting the VRA Hospital as one of Ghana’s top medical facilities

He stressed the importance of keeping the VRA free from partisan influences, ensuring its ability to function effectively and independently.

Addressing Chieftaincy Disputes Affecting VRA Operations

In response, Obeng-Kenzo congratulated Nana Nketsia V on his election as President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and urged him to help resolve chieftaincy disputes affecting the VRA’s operational areas.

According to him, these disputes, along with community tensions linked to the Authority’s activities, disrupt operations, cause anxiety among staff, and impact electricity provision. He appealed for the intervention of traditional leaders to restore stability in affected communities.

The meeting underscored the critical role of traditional authorities in ensuring the smooth operation of national institutions and reaffirmed Obeng-Kenzo’s leadership as a driving force for the VRA’s future growth.