VRA Engineers Charged to Lead Ghana’s Renewable Energy Transition
The Volta River Authority (VRA) has urged its engineers to take the lead in driving Ghana’s transition towards renewable and reliable energy systems that will secure the nation’s economic future and support sustainable development.
This call was made during the 33rd Annual Conference of the Society of Volta River Authority Engineers (SOVRAE), held in Asuogyaman, under the theme: “Engineering the Energy Transition: Reliable, Renewable and Resilient.”
The three-day event brought together energy experts, policymakers, traditional authorities, and industry stakeholders to explore practical strategies for building a sustainable and inclusive energy future for Ghana and the African continent.
VRA Chief Executive, Mr Edward Obeng-Kenzo, commended SOVRAE for its sustained collaboration with the Authority’s management, saying the partnership had been instrumental in strengthening VRA’s ambition to become “a model of excellence for power utilities in Africa.”
He said both the Authority and the engineering society shared a unified commitment to advancing Ghana’s socio-economic growth through technical innovation and excellence.
“It is of utmost necessity for VRA and SOVRAE to continue to collaborate to influence public policy, sustain our campaign towards the growth of engineers, and build a sustainable authority,” he stated.
Touching on the global energy transition agenda, Mr Obeng-Kenzo said Africa must make full use of its vast renewable energy resources, especially solar power, to secure energy independence.
“Africa is blessed with abundant sunshine, and the renewable energy drive presents a unique opportunity for us,” he said. “But since the sun does not shine 24 hours a day, we must complement renewables with reliable base load generation.”
He revealed that VRA plans to add over 1,000 megawatts of combined-cycle power plants to the national grid within the next five years. These projects, he said, would involve the deployment of efficient power systems sourced from abroad and relocated to Ghana to enhance energy reliability and affordability.
“Our strategic focus is to deliver affordable and reliable electricity because Africa cannot develop without it,” he emphasised, noting that the Akosombo Dam’s large storage capacity gave Ghana a unique advantage in integrating renewable energy into its power mix.
“The energy transition is not just a global trend but it is our responsibility. VRA must lead this charge through innovation and collaboration,” he added.
Representing the Akwamumanhene, Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V, Osomanyawa of Akwamu State, commended the Authority for diversifying Ghana’s power generation sources from hydro-only to include thermal and renewable options.
“Energy is not just a technical or corporate issue; it affects communities, culture, and livelihoods,” he said, urging VRA to sustain engagement with local communities during project design and implementation. “Resettlement, livelihood restoration, and local employment must be central to project execution.”
He also assured the Authority of continued support from traditional leaders, promising to facilitate land access and cooperation between local communities and developers.
“Engineering projects and traditions alike must be built to last generations. Let us build not just for today, but for the next 50 years,” he advised.
A Past President of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations, Mrs Carlien Bou-Chedid, encouraged engineers to invest more in research and development of alternative energy sources such as wind and green hydrogen.
“The concept of net zero requires balancing emissions rather than eliminating them entirely,” she said, stressing that Africa must pursue energy expansion responsibly to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
She called for increased investment in energy storage technologies, capacity building, and private sector participation in renewable projects, while urging institutions to train more professionals in solar and hydrogen technologies to position Ghana as a regional hub for clean energy innovation.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment by VRA engineers to champion innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in Ghana’s energy sector, ensuring energy security and resilience for present and future generations.
