Technician engineers of the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company of Ghana (NEDCo) have been advised to adopt practices that will safeguard the country's energy assets.
With the emergence of technology and issues about climate change, safeguarding the country's energy assets would make the sector more viable, profitable and sustainable for generations to come.
The President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH), Henry Kwadwo Boateng, gave the advice during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of VRA/NEDCo Technician Engineers (AVRATE) in Accra.
It was on the theme, "Securing a Sustainable Future: VRA and AVRATE”
Renewable energy
Mr Boateng congratulated the leadership and members of AVRATE on their dedication and commitment to the growth and success of VRA and the energy sector as a whole.
He said the theme chosen was significant and came at a critical time of changing energy demands, global climate concerns, and economic pressures.
"One of the urgent priorities we must consider is the expansion of renewable electricity generation, particularly green energy technologies. "Renewable energy is no longer a distant ambition; it is a present necessity.
"By harnessing solar, wind, and other clean technologies, we will not only strengthen VRA’s capacity, but also ensure energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels," he said.
Threat, corruption
Mr Boateng added his voice to calls for the government not to sell or disintegrate the VRA, stressing, "This is not just an economic asset, it is a national security asset, thus any attempt to dispose of the institution would be a grave disservice to the national interest."
He stated that in the past, there were moves to privatise or sell parts of the VRA, but AVRATE, IET-GH and VRA/NEDCO staff expressed deep concern about it.
Mr Boateng further stated that there was always suspicion of corruption whenever the government decided to give part or all of a public institution to the private sector, citing examples with the PDS, SML, and Evetax Logistics deals, which were currently under investigation.
"Most of the time, there is an insider who collaborates, initiates, and sells the idea to government officials and politicians purely for personal gain out of greed.
"However, while we urge the government to protect VRA, we must also challenge VRA’s management to adopt forward-looking strategies that will make the authority more efficient, innovative, and profitable. Long-term sustainability demands not only strong policies, but also the commitment of every worker from the executive office to the technical frontlines," he said.
Pivotal role
The IET-GH President said the technician engineers played a pivotal role in the success of the companies and sectors, and urged management not to overlook such expertise when appointing people to critical leadership roles.
“Your expertise, problem-solving abilities, and dedication form the backbone of VRA’s operations.
To management, I say, motivate your technician engineers—end discrimination in promotions and benefits.
When members of AVRATE join IET-GH, they should receive the same incremental adjustments given to other professional associations,” he said.
He said securing a sustainable future was not just about technology but also about fairness, inclusion, and the recognition that every person’s contribution mattered.
"If VRA is to thrive, then its most valuable resource - human capital must be nurtured, motivated and retained.
“Let us work together — government, management, and technical professionals to protect VRA, expand renewable energy, and build a future that is both sustainable and nationally secure,” he emphasised.
