VRA workers hail CEO's decision to step aside

Workers of the Volta River Authority (VRA) have hailed the decision of the Chief Executive, Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby to step aside to allow the Committee of Enquiry to do its work.

"We are happy that he is stepping aside for the committee set up by the Minister for Energy to review and examine the issues we raised," a source at the Authority told the Ghana News Agency. "All we seek is for the truth to be laid bare for the public," the source emphasized.

When the GNA visited the Head Office of the Authority some of the workers in red armbands were dancing at the premises but emphasised that they were not on strike. There were similar scenes at the VRA's offices outside Accra.


The workers had threatened to down their tools by Wednesday to back their demand for the interdiction of Dr Wereko-Brobby. In a letter to the Minister of Energy, Dr Wereko-Brobby said his decision to give way was to offer the Committee the free hand to work.


The letter read in part: "I have decided to remove myself from the day-to-day administration of the VRA during the tenure of the Committee's hearings "I have taken this decision to ensure that the Committee has an absolutely free hand to undertake its work and to remove any doubts as to the placement of any impediments in the way of the Committee or any other witness, who may be called to appear before it.


"Naturally, I would expect that the Committee would offer a fair opportunity to allow me to put my perspective on the issues that have been placed before it. VRA staff have also been directed to make themselves available to assist the Committee as and when it deems it appropriate to see them."

Dr Wereko-Brobby said he has absolute confidence in the integrity and competence of the Committee and expressed confidence that it would "sort out the wheat from the chaff and all the issues under consideration".


The letter said in his absence, the Deputy Chief Executive (Engineering an Operations), Mr Jabesh Amisssah-Arthur, would be the Acting Chief Executive. The Minister of Energy, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom on Monday announced the setting up of the Committee to investigate various allegations made against Dr Wereko-Brobby and the Board.


The Committee is to review matters arising out of workers' agitation, examine the Executive's Pay and Working Hours, the Strategic Reserve Plant (SRP), Operation of the Authority's Provident Fund, Procurement Procedures and the Image of VRA. The Committee is to submit its report to the Ministry by June 2.