The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nketsia IV says President Mahama made the right choice in the appointment of Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo as Acting Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA).
He believes Edward Obeng-Kenzo is eminently qualified to lead the national energy generator.
Nana Kobina Nketsia IV pointed to Ing Obeng-Kenzo’s extensive experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership over the years at the Authority as proof of President Mahama’s wise choice for the new leader at VRA.
Nana Kobina Nketsia IV who is also the Omanhene of Essikado (British Sekondi) Traditional Area, made these remarks during a courtesy visit by Mr. Obeng-Kenzo and his delegation to the Essikado Palace.
The visit served to introduce the Acting Chief Executive and facilitate discussions on matters affecting the VRA’s operations at the Aboadze thermal energy generation enclave.
The VRA delegation included Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Finance), Dr Ebenezer Tagoe; Director, Thermal Generation, Samuel O. Lamptey; Manager, Office of the Chief Executive, Nana Yaw Binfoh;
Manager, Communications and Branding, Francis Kobena Abban; Acting Plant Manager (TTPS), Alexander Duncan-Reynolds and Maintenance Manager, Geoffrey Kweku Barnes.
The Paramount Chief of Lower Dixcove and Vice President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kwesi Agyemang IX and some elders of the Essikado Traditional Area were also present to welcome the new leader of VRA.
Upon concluding his introductory address, Mr. Obeng-Kenzo was offered a ceremonial seat, traditionally reserved for esteemed guests, as a gesture of respect and in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the energy sector.
Nana Nketsia IV further requested his elders to perform a libation for Mr. Obeng-Kenzo’s honor.
The elderly statesman and traditional leader revealed that Ing Obeng Kenzo was instrumental at the hilt of the resolving the 2013 to 2016 energy crisis when he helped to have the thermal assets of VRA available and operational to provide the much needed electrify for the country.
“Ghanaians should acknowledge your contributions during that critical period,” stated Nana Nketia, who once served as a VRA Board Member.
He recalled his initial encounter with Mr. Obeng-Kenzo as a young engineer at the Aboadze Thermal Plant over two decades ago.
He encouraged Mr. Obeng-Kenzo to continue guiding the VRA with his proven attributes of effectiveness, efficiency, and collaborative spirit to elevate the VRA to new heights, expressing confidence that his leadership would warrant future recognition, akin to the commemorative busts erected for past VRA engineers.
Highlighting the VRA’s vital role in national development, Nana Nketsia V commended the staff, particularly the engineers, for their dedication to this critical national mission.
He acknowledged the Authority’s significant contributions beyond electricity provision, including education, corporate social responsibility initiatives and community support programs and singled out the VRA Hospital as one of the best health care facilities providing care for Ghanaians.
Nana Nketsia IV expressed optimism that the VRA, fortified by its skilled engineers and its crucial role in national progress, would remain impervious to partisan influences within its team.
Mr. Obeng-Kenzo also congratulated Nana Nketsia IV on his election and elevation as President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and implored him to intervene in the prevalent chieftaincy disputes plaguing communities within the authority’s jurisdiction.
These conflicts, coupled with community unrest resulting from the authority’s operations, severely disrupt its effectiveness, leading to staff anxiety and other detrimental consequences that impact the provision of electricity.