The Volta River Authority (VRA) has called on its engineers to spearhead Ghana’s transition toward reliable and renewable energy systems that can drive sustainable economic growth and energy security.
The call was made during the 33rd Annual Conference of the Society of Volta River Authority Engineers (SOVRAE), held in Asuogyaman, on the theme: “Engineering the Energy Transition: Reliable, Renewable and Resilient.” The event gathered energy experts, policymakers, traditional leaders, and engineers to discuss practical measures for achieving sustainable energy development in Ghana and across Africa.
VRA Chief Executive, Mr. Edward Obeng-Kenzo, commended SOVRAE for its continued partnership with management, which he said had strengthened the Authority’s ambition to become “a model of excellence for power utilities in Africa.”
He noted that both VRA and SOVRAE share a unified vision to advance Ghana’s socio-economic growth through engineering innovation and technical 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 said.
Highlighting global conversations ahead of the next climate summit in Brazil, Mr. Obeng-Kenzo said Africa must take full advantage of its abundant renewable resources, particularly solar energy.
“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 disclosed that VRA plans to deploy more than 1,000 megawatts of combined-cycle power plants within five years, sourced from efficient plants abroad and relocated to Ghana, to ensure energy reliability and affordability.
“Our strategic focus is to deliver affordable and reliable electricity because Africa cannot develop without it,” he added, emphasizing that the Akosombo Dam’s vast storage capacity provides Ghana with a unique advantage for integrating renewable energy into the national grid.
“The energy transition is not just a global trend but it is our responsibility. VRA must lead this charge through innovation and collaboration,” he said.
Representing the Akwamumanhene, Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V, Osomanyawa of Akwamu State, praised VRA for diversifying Ghana’s energy mix from hydro-only generation to include thermal and renewable sources.
“Energy is not just a technical or corporate issue; it affects communities, culture, and livelihoods,” he said, urging the Authority to maintain community engagement in all project planning. “Resettlement, livelihood restoration, and local employment must be central to project execution.”
He reaffirmed traditional leaders’ support for VRA’s initiatives, pledging to facilitate land access and foster cooperation between developers and local communities.
“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.
Mrs. Carlien Bou-Chedid, Past President of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations, encouraged engineers to expand research and investment into wind energy and green hydrogen development.
“The concept of net zero requires balancing emissions rather than eliminating them entirely,” she said, adding that Africa must pursue energy growth responsibly to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Mrs. Bou-Chedid called for increased investment in energy storage technologies, capacity building, and private sector participation in renewable projects.
She further advocated training in solar and hydrogen technologies to position Ghana as a regional clean energy hub.
The conference reaffirmed VRA engineers’ commitment to accelerating Ghana’s energy transition through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development, ensuring energy security for both present and future generations.
