Energy Minister rules out VRA sale, proposes merger with GRIDCo to protect state assets

The government has ruled out the sale or privatisation of the Volta River Authority (VRA), instead proposing a merger with the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) aimed at restructuring operations within the energy sector.

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr John Jinapor, made this known at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, during the Government Accountability Series.

“Our vision is not to sell VRA,” Mr Jinapor said. “Rather, we are proposing a merger between VRA and GRIDCo to form a single holding company with three operational divisions: thermal, hydro, and renewable energy.”

He explained that the new structure is intended to bring the assets of both state agencies under one central management to improve coordination and reduce operational costs.

“This will allow for better internal efficiency and technical alignment, especially as we move towards a cleaner and more reliable energy system,” he stated.

Mr Jinapor said the move offers a better alternative to earlier proposals to separate VRA’s hydro and thermal operations. “Instead of breaking up our state assets, we intend to strengthen them through integration and better management,” he said.

He also dismissed claims of a hidden agenda to privatise the VRA, stressing that the restructuring would be carried out by the government with clear oversight.

“This is a national asset. We are not going to hand it over to the highest bidder,” Mr Jinapor said. “What we want is a strong energy institution that can stand the test of time.”

The proposed merger, he added, will go through a process of consultation with stakeholders and may require legislative backing before it can take effect.