We will support VRA to ensure greater energy security for Ghana - John Jinapor

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has assured management and staff of the Volta River Authority (VRA) of his unwavering support to preserve Ghana’s energy security.

He made the assurance during a working visit to the VRA Head Office on Friday, October 17, 2025, as part of his ongoing engagements with key institutions in the energy sector.

The Minister held discussions with management and staff of the state power generation company, focusing on the sector’s challenges and opportunities for growth.

The Acting Chief Executive of the VRA, Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, in his welcome remarks, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to providing affordable and reliable electricity to power Ghana’s economy.



He, however, called for stronger government support in capacity expansion projects to meet the country’s rising energy demand.

Ghana’s electricity demand is projected to increase by about 300 megawatts annually, requiring significant capital investments in new generation capacity.

“Our team of experienced Ghanaian engineers is working round the clock through robust maintenance programmes and planned capacity expansions to ensure we deliver reliable and affordable power to all Ghanaians. But going forward, we need strategic investment and policy support to continue doing so,” Obeng-Kenzo noted.

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In response, Minister Jinapor commended the management of VRA, led by its Acting Chief Executive, for their resilience and dedication in keeping the lights on over the past ten months.

He urged the Authority to demonstrate even greater commitment in powering the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative, which aims to create jobs for the youth.

Jinapor also acknowledged the challenges confronting the power sector and reiterated the government’s resolve to make VRA a central player in Ghana’s energy transition strategy.



He criticised the country’s heavy dependence on Independent Power Producers (IPPs), describing it as an unsustainable financial model.

“If we had directed the billions of dollars paid annually to IPPs into expanding VRA’s thermal generation capacity, we would have achieved more affordable and secure power under national control,” he said.

The Volta River Authority currently supplies more than 50 percent of Ghana’s electricity demand, generating over 2,500 megawatts from its hydroelectric dams at Akosombo and Akuse, thermal plants in Takoradi, Tema, Kpone, and Anwomaso, as well as solar facilities in Kaleo, Lawra, and Navrongo.

SSD/MA

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