VRA’s record win at the 8th Ghana Energy Awards: Leading local content for a sustainable future

The Volta River Authority (VRA) recently made history at the 8th Ghana Energy Awards, emerging as a record-breaking victor with three prestigious honours.

Amid a field of formidable competitors, VRA’s accomplishments stood out for their depth and impact, underscoring the organization’s commitment to using local resources and talent to drive national progress. This achievement is not merely a reflection of VRA’s longstanding reputation, but also a testament to the strategic decisions and initiatives the Authority has undertaken in recent years.

Building Ghana’s energy future from within

At the core of VRA’s award-winning initiatives is its dedication to local content development, a commitment that secured the Local Content Leadership Impact Award for Ing. Edward Obeng-Kenzo, VRA’s Deputy Chief Executive (Engineering & Operations). This honour acknowledges VRA’s strategic focus on fostering Ghanaian expertise and resources, a value embodied in projects like the Anwomaso 1 Thermal Power Plant (A1TPP). VRA’s leadership in local content reflects a broader philosophy: that Ghana’s energy sector can only be truly resilient when it is built and sustained by the nation’s own talent. The Anwomaso project is a bold example of this vision, carried out exclusively by Ghanaian engineers—a decision that not only saved millions of dollars but also underscored VRA’s belief in the capabilities of its local workforce.

A multifaceted impact 

VRA’s accolade as the Energy Company of the Year (Power) highlights the Authority’s influential role in Ghana’s power generation landscape. For decades, VRA has been the engine behind Ghana’s electricity supply, producing over 70% of the nation’s power through an evolving mix of hydro, thermal, and, more recently, solar energy sources. The Authority’s adaptability and long-term planning, reflected in its diverse portfolio, have enabled it to meet growing energy demands while addressing sustainability concerns. The recent addition of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant, along with thermal facilities like the Anwomaso project, accentuates VRA’s commitment to both clean energy and stable power access, bolstering the nation’s energy resilience.

The Anwomaso 1 thermal power plant (A1TPP)

The Outstanding Local Content Initiative of the Year award went to VRA’s innovative Anwomaso 1 Thermal Power Plant project, a high-impact initiative that exhibits the Authority’s unique approach to energy infrastructure. This project involved the relocation of the AMERI Thermal Power Plant from Aboadze to Anwomaso, addressing the urgent power needs of the Ashanti Region and the northern belt. The undertaking was not only complex but significant in terms of the local economic boost it provided. By employing local engineers and technicians for every aspect of the project, VRA reduced outsourcing costs and created valuable job opportunities. The Anwomaso project exemplifies VRA’s commitment to empowering local talent while meeting critical energy needs—an effort that aligns with Ghana’s broader energy security and local content goals.

A milestone in Ghana’s energy landscape

These three awards at the 8th Ghana Energy Awards reflect the Volta River Authority’s multifaceted impact on Ghana’s energy sector. Through deliberate investments in local capacity, a strategic focus on diverse energy generation, and a commitment to economic empowerment, VRA has positioned itself as a pioneer in building a sustainable and self-reliant energy future for Ghana. The accolades are well-deserved recognitions of VRA’s ongoing journey to reshape the nation’s energy landscape, and a nod to the local talent driving that transformation forward.