The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated a newly constituted Governing Board of the Volta River Authority (VRA), charging its members to reposition the institution as a leader in Ghana’s power generation and energy transition efforts.
At a formal ceremony held in Accra, Minister Jinapor emphasized the significance of the board’s responsibilities in an era of rapid change in Ghana’s energy landscape.
“This board has been entrusted with the task of improving VRA’s operations, optimising hydro and thermal assets, and firmly anchoring renewable initiatives within the Authority’s core mandate.
“VRA must work to be the lead institution when it comes to power generation.”
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition
Appointed by President John Mahama in consultation with the Council of State, the newly constituted board has been tasked with advancing four key priorities: revitalizing operations, accelerating the green transition, developing human capital, and enhancing public engagement.
Minister Jinapor assured the board of the needed assistance in navigating the complex terrain of Ghana’s energy reforms and transition goals.
“The President has absolute confidence in the capabilities of the members of this board. As a board, you should lead VRA to champion the reforms in the power sector.”
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition
New Board Commits to Restoring VRA’s Leadership
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated board, Chairman Jabesh Amissah-Arthur, a seasoned energy expert and former VRA Chief Executive, acknowledged the challenges confronting the Authority.
“The fortunes of VRA have stagnated and dwindled over the years as a result of government policies.
“We will provide strategic guidance and direction to bring VRA back as the lead power generator in the sub-region and Africa.”
Mr. Jabesh Amissah-Arthur, Chairman of the New VRA Board
The newly appointed board comprises Jabesh Amissah-Arthur as Chairman, Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo as Acting Chief Executive, and members Dr. Lawrence Ofosu Adjare, Collins Dauda, Fred Kwesi Agbenyo, Wonder Victor Kutor, Awulai Attibrukusu III, and Peggy Addo.
VRA, which has long been a central institution in Ghana’s power ecosystem, currently operates key hydroelectric assets such as the Akosombo and Kpong dams, as well as thermal plants and renewable energy projects.
As Ghana pushes toward its energy transition agenda, anchored in decarbonisation and diversification of the energy mix, VRA’s role is increasingly pivotal.
The government’s transition blueprint envisions a cleaner, more resilient energy system, with renewables playing an expanding role in electricity generation.
Minister Jinapor noted that VRA must adapt to this reality not only by maintaining its existing infrastructure but by innovating and investing in new, sustainable technologies. “We are not only looking to produce more power, but also cleaner power,” he said.
The inauguration of the new board comes at a time when stakeholders across the power sector are closely monitoring reforms, particularly around pricing, grid reliability, and the adoption of green technologies.
Stakeholders are watching how the board will address institutional bottlenecks, streamline operations, and ensure effective public communication in times of energy supply challenges.
The new VRA Governing Board faces the dual challenge of reversing stagnation and driving innovation in an increasingly competitive and regulated energy sector.
With a clear policy directive from government and stakeholder expectations rising, the board’s success will be measured by its ability to modernize operations, embrace sustainability, and reassert VRA’s relevance both domestically and in the West African power pool.
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