The President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH), Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng, has made a passionate call for the protection of the Volta River Authority (VRA), describing it as Ghana’s energy lifeline and a strategic national asset that must not be compromised.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Association of VRA/NEDCo Technician Engineers (AVRATE), held under the theme “Securing a Sustainable Future: VRA and AVRATE,” Engr. Boateng underscored the importance of preserving VRA’s public ownership and strengthening its role in Ghana’s energy future.
According to the IET-GH President, the VRA is not merely a utility company but a pillar of Ghana’s national security and economic resilience. He warned that any attempt to privatise or disintegrate the Authority would be a disservice to the country.
“Ghana’s energy future must never be placed in the hands of private interests whose primary motivation is profit, not national development,” he stressed.
Engr. Boateng pointed to previous controversial privatisation attempts such as PDS, SML, and the ongoing investigation into Evetax Logistics as cautionary examples of how such deals often serve the interests of a few at the expense of the nation.
He also highlighted the urgent need for the VRA to scale up its investments in renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and other green sources. In his view, Ghana cannot afford to delay the energy transition if it wants to remain competitive and environmentally responsible.
“Renewable energy is no longer an ambition for the future — it is a present necessity,” he said, urging the VRA to take the lead in transforming Ghana’s energy mix.
The IET-GH President expressed confidence in the newly appointed Acting Chief Executive of VRA, Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, and encouraged him to prioritise green energy innovation in his leadership agenda.
Beyond infrastructure and policy, Engr. Boateng placed strong emphasis on the human element that powers the energy sector. He described Technician Engineers as the backbone of VRA’s operations and called on the Authority’s management to prioritise their welfare, professional development, and equitable treatment.
He outlined key steps to support technical professionals within VRA, including:
• Ending discrimination in promotions and access to benefits
• Ensuring equitable salary adjustments for AVRATE members in line with other associations
• Recognising and rewarding qualifications and career advancement
“When hard work and talent go unrewarded, organisations lose their most valuable asset — their people,” he cautioned.
Engr. Boateng called for greater collaboration between Government, VRA management, and engineering professionals to secure the country’s energy future. He emphasized that safeguarding VRA must be a shared national goal and outlined four priorities:
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Protecting VRA as a public and strategic national asset
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Expanding renewable energy capacity for long-term sustainability
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Fighting corruption in the transfer of public resources
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Recognising and investing in Ghana’s technical workforce
The IET-GH President concluded by reaffirming that the Volta River Authority plays an indispensable role in Ghana’s development and must not be compromised by short-term economic thinking or political interests.
“The responsibility is ours. The time is now. The goal is clear,” he said. “Ghana’s energy lifeline must be protected — for our economy, our security, and for generations to come.”
