Ing. Edward Obeng-Kenzo, Acting CEO of Volta River Authority (Right), Nana Kobina Nketsia V (Left)
The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, says President John Dramani Mahama made the right choice in appointing Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo as Acting Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA).
He believes Edward Obeng-Kenzo is eminently qualified to lead the national energy generator.
Nana Kobina Nketsia V pointed to Ing. Obeng-Kenzo’s extensive experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership over the years at the Authority as proof of President Mahama’s wise choice for the new leader of the VRA.
Nana Kobina Nketsia V, who is also the Omanhene of Essikado (British Sekondi) Traditional Area, made these remarks during a courtesy visit by Mr. Obeng-Kenzo and his delegation to the Essikado Palace.
The visit served to introduce the Acting Chief Executive and facilitate discussions on matters affecting the VRA’s operations at the Aboadze thermal energy generation enclave.
The VRA delegation included Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Finance), Dr. Ebenezer Tagoe; Director of Thermal Generation, Samuel O. Lamptey; Manager, Office of the Chief Executive, Nana Yaw Binfoh; Manager, Communications and Branding, Francis Kobena Abban; Acting Plant Manager (TTPS), Alexander Duncan-Reynolds; and Maintenance Manager, Geoffrey Kweku Barnes.
The Paramount Chief of Lower Dixcove and Vice President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kwesi Agyemang IX, and some elders of the Essikado Traditional Area were also present to welcome the new leader of the VRA.
Upon concluding his introductory address, Mr. Obeng-Kenzo was offered a ceremonial seat, traditionally reserved for esteemed guests, as a gesture of respect and recognition of his outstanding contributions to the energy sector.
Nana Nketsia V further requested his elders to perform a libation in Mr. Obeng-Kenzo’s honor.
The elderly statesman and traditional leader revealed that Ing. Obeng-Kenzo played a crucial role in resolving the 2013 to 2016 energy crisis by ensuring the availability and operational efficiency of the VRA’s thermal assets, which provided the much-needed electricity for the country.
“Ghanaians should acknowledge your contributions during that critical period,” Nana Nketsia V, who once served as a VRA Board Member stated.
He recalled his initial encounter with Mr. Obeng-Kenzo as a young engineer at the Aboadze Thermal Plant over two decades ago.
He encouraged Mr. Obeng-Kenzo to continue guiding the VRA with his proven attributes of effectiveness, efficiency, and a collaborative spirit to elevate the VRA to new heights.
He expressed confidence that his leadership would warrant future recognition, akin to the commemorative busts erected for past VRA engineers.
Highlighting the VRA’s vital role in national development, Nana Nketsia V commended the staff, particularly the engineers, for their dedication to this critical national mission.
He acknowledged the Authority’s significant contributions beyond electricity provision, including education, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and community support programs. He also singled out the VRA Hospital as one of the best healthcare facilities providing care for Ghanaians.
Nana Nketsia V expressed optimism that the VRA, fortified by its skilled engineers and its crucial role in national progress, would remain impervious to partisan influences within its team.
Obeng-Kenzo also congratulated Nana Nketsia V on his election and elevation as President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and implored him to intervene in the prevalent chieftaincy disputes plaguing communities within the Authority’s jurisdiction.
These conflicts, coupled with community unrest resulting from the Authority’s operations, severely disrupt its effectiveness, leading to staff anxiety and other detrimental consequences that impact the provision of electricity.
SEA