No 24-Hour Economy without stable electricity - VRA Chief Executive

Reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity is essential for the success of Ghana's ambitious 24-Hour Economy policy, according to Edward E. Obeng-Kenzo, Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA).

Obeng-Kenzo stressed that Ghana's industrial transformation agenda, aimed at repositioning the nation as a competitive, industrial, and export-driven economy, hinges on an uninterrupted power supply. He noted that key sectors like factories, hospitals, transport systems, and data centers cannot operate continuously without dependable electricity.

Speaking at the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE)-Professor Douglas Boateng Lecture Series, Obeng-Kenzo highlighted that power is the lifeblood of any economy. He stated that the VRA, a key player in Ghana's energy sector for over six decades, has evolved from hydroelectric power to include thermal and renewable sources, with a current installed capacity of approximately 2,547 megawatts.

The VRA is actively investing in renewable energy, modernizing its generation facilities, and adopting smart technologies to ensure a cleaner, more resilient, and reliable power system. While acknowledging Ghana's progress in electricity access, Obeng-Kenzo pointed out the need for significant investment in grid modernization, battery storage, and digital monitoring to meet future energy demands.

He concluded by reaffirming the VRA's commitment, stating, "People may rest, but progress cannot sleep; neither can power." The lecture series aimed to explore how the VRA's experience and infrastructure can support Ghana's transition towards a 24-hour operational economy.

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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.