By Ernest Nutsugah, GNA
Accra, July 20, GNA – Mr Edward Obeng-Kenzo, the Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA), has emphasised continuous investment in generation capacity, innovation, and stronger partnerships to help provide the energy required for Ghana’s industrial future.
Speaking at the Second Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE)-Professor Douglas Boateng Lecture Series in Accra on Monday, he noted that reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity remained a key element in the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.
Mr Obeng-Kenzo said the Authority was modernising generation facilities, expanding renewable energy investment, and deploying smart technologies, among other initiatives, to address challenges and provide reliable power to support industries.
“We recognise that tomorrow’s industries will require power systems that are not only reliable but also cleaner, smarter, and more adaptable…,” he said.
“Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy presents a unique opportunity to accelerate industrial growth, create meaningful employment, increase exports, and strengthen national prosperity.”
“But this transformation can only be achieved if it is powered by reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.”
The annual GhIE-Professor Douglas Boateng Lecture Series brings together engineering professionals, policymakers, academia, and industry leaders to deliberate on engineering solutions that promote sustainable infrastructure development and national economic transformation.
This year’s edition was on the theme: “Power Never Sleeps: VRA, the 24-Hour Economy and the Industrial Future of Ghana.”
Mr Obeng-Kenzo urged GhIE to position itself as a national engineering think tank, capable of providing evidence-based contributions to energy sector reforms and grid modernisation initiatives.
He said GhIE should help strengthen the enforcement of engineering standards across the country’s generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure, and spearhead national technical audits of electricity distribution systems. “…This will reduce if not eradicate completely, Ghana’s reliability issues, partly due to obsolete and inefficient infrastructure systems,” the Chief Executive added.
“Just as the Volta River continues to flow day and night, season after season, so too must our commitment to powering Ghana’s development remain unwavering. People may rest, but progress cannot sleep; neither can power.”
Dr Enyonam Kpekpena, Executive Director, GhIE, said the lecture series sought to examine how the experience, infrastructure, and strategic position of VRA could support Ghana’s transition to a more competitive industrial future.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Writer’s email: [email protected]