The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nketsia IV, has stated that President Mahama made the right choice in appointing Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo as the Acting Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA).

He believes Obeng-Kenzo is highly qualified to lead the national energy generator.

Nana Kobina Nketsia IV highlighted Ing. Obeng-Kenzo’s extensive experience and exceptional leadership at the Authority as proof of President Mahama’s wise decision in selecting him as the new leader of the VRA.

The traditional leader, who is also the Omanhene of the Essikado (British Sekondi) Traditional Area, made these remarks during a courtesy visit by Obeng-Kenzo and his delegation to the Essikado Palace.

The visit was aimed at introducing the Acting Chief Executive and facilitating 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 of Thermal Generation, Samuel O. Lamptey; Manager of the Office of the Chief Executive, Nana Yaw Binfoh; Manager of Communications and Branding, Francis Kobena Abban; Acting Plant Manager (TTPS), Alexander Duncan-Reynolds; and Maintenance Manager, Geoffrey Kweku Barnes.

Also present to welcome the new VRA leader were the Paramount Chief of Lower Dixcove and Vice President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kwesi Agyemang IX, along with some elders of the Essikado Traditional Area.

At the conclusion of his introductory address, Obeng-Kenzo was offered a ceremonial seat, traditionally reserved for esteemed guests, as a gesture of respect and recognition of his contributions to the energy sector.

Nana Nketsia V further requested his elders to perform a libation in Mr. Obeng-Kenzo's honor.

The statesman and traditional leader revealed that Ing. Obeng-Kenzo played a crucial role in resolving the 2013–2016 energy crisis by ensuring that the thermal assets of the VRA remained available and operational to provide the much-needed electricity for the country.

“Ghanaians should acknowledge your contributions during that critical period,” stated Nana Nketsia IV, who once served as a VRA Board Member.

He recalled his initial encounter with Obeng-Kenzo as a young engineer at the Aboadze Thermal Plant over two decades ago.

Encouraging Obeng-Kenzo to guide the VRA with his proven effectiveness, efficiency, and collaborative spirit, Nana Nketsia IV expressed confidence that his leadership would earn future recognition—possibly commemorative busts, similar to those 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 also acknowledged the Authority's significant contributions beyond electricity provision, including education, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and community support programs.

He specifically praised the VRA Hospital as one of the best healthcare facilities providing essential medical services to Ghanaians.

Nana Nketsia V expressed optimism that the VRA, fortified by its skilled engineers and crucial role in national progress, would remain impervious to partisan influences.

For his part, Obeng-Kenzo congratulated Nana Nketsia IV on his election and elevation as President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs. He also implored him to intervene in the ongoing chieftaincy disputes plaguing communities within the Authority's jurisdiction.

These conflicts, along with community unrest stemming from the Authority’s operations, severely disrupt its effectiveness, causing staff anxiety and other detrimental consequences that impact electricity provision.

Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah's bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below: