VRA calls for sustained investment in energy infrastructure to drive industrialisation

The Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Edward Obeng Kenzo, is calling for sustained investment in Ghana's energy infrastructure to ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply to support industrialisation and long-term economic growth.

He says the country's ambition to expand manufacturing, mining, agro-processing and digital infrastructure will depend largely on the availability of competitive and dependable power.

Speaking on the second day of the 15th Ghana Economic Forum, organised by the Business and Financial Times, Mr Obeng Kenzo said Ghana must strengthen its energy systems to keep pace with changing economic demands and emerging technologies.

He noted that sectors such as smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, data centres, electric mobility and advanced agro-processing would require increasingly reliable and sustainable electricity.

He said although Ghana had made progress in developing a diversified electricity generation portfolio comprising hydro, thermal and renewable sources, continuous investment and innovation would be necessary to sustain the gains.

Mr Obeng Kenzo said the VRA was working to maintain generation reliability, improve operational efficiency and ensure electricity remained available to support large-scale industrial growth.

He added that the Authority was investing in modern technologies, enhancing the performance of its generation assets and exploring opportunities in renewable energy and other sustainable power solutions.

“For 65 years, we have played a central role in powering Ghana's development, being pacesetters, maintaining generation reliability, ensuring your lights remain on regardless of the headwinds, improving operational efficiency and pursuing innovation,” he said.

He stressed that building Ghana's energy advantage would require coordinated efforts among government, regulators, utilities, investors, development partners and industry players.

According to him, strengthening energy security, modernising infrastructure and accelerating investment across the energy value chain would help attract investment, expand industrial activity and create sustainable jobs.

He said reliable and scalable electricity would also position Ghana to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the regional and global economy.

Mr Obeng Kenzo further pledged the Authority's commitment to supporting the Ghana Economic Forum, indicating that the VRA would champion and serve as an anchor for future editions of the platform.