VRA launches 50th anniversary commemorative books

The Volta River Authority (VRA) on Wednesday launched its 50th anniversary commemorative books in Accra namely, the ‘Lake of Life’ and ‘Field Guide to the Volta River Basin.'

The Lake of Life, which is about memory and legacy of the institution and Field Guide to the Volta River Basin, is to attract tourism, were authored by Professor Edward S. Ayensu, an International Development Advisor on Science and Technology to the Africa Development Bank.

Mr Kweku Andoh Awotwi, the immediate past Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VRA, said as one of the best performing state institutions, the idea of writing the books was conceived during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Authority in 2011.

He said, even though VRA had its challenges, there was a great deal of achievements to be proud of, and there were many great people to recognise and salute for making the Authority still relevant.

“So ultimately, these books are about memory and legacy to pass on to our children and the unborn generation, to be reminded of what is possible when leaders have vision and perseverance, and a people strive for excellence and competence,” he said.

He, however, called on the author of the book to do a revision, as there are some prominent names that were omitted, but played a significant role in the development of VRA.

Mr Kirk Kofi, the CEO of VRA, said the Authority had powered the economy of Ghana since its existence for over 50 years.

He said the recent power outage was temporal as the Authority was working assiduously to fix the problem, denying that there was discrimination in the distribution of power.

Mr Kofi said as part of its expansion work, and the Authority would be adding additional 1,000 megawatts of electricity to meet the high growing demand, especially as Ghana is now a middle income country.

Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, Deputy Minister of Energy and Petroleum, commended the Author of the books that would serve as institutional memory as well boosting tourism in the Volta River basin.

He said there are no short cut measures to deal with the energy problems confronting the country and as livewire and oxygen of the economy, government was committed to providing a lasting solution.

Mr Jinakpor said VRA spends between GH¢ 6 million and GH¢ 7 million daily to buy light crude oil for its thermal plant, thereby draining its coffers.

He said the cost would, however, be reduced by 40 percent if the gas project came on stream and expressed the government’s commitment to finish the gas project on time.

Mr Jinapor urged Ghanaians to adopt the habit of energy efficiency by conserving energy.

Mr Lee Ocran, Board Chairman of VRA said the existence of the Authority was an indication that, Africans are capable of managing their own affairs.

He said VRA after its establishment by late President Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah did not only provide electricity but also liberated the minds of Ghanaians that they were capable of managing their institutions and organisations.

Mr Ocran said VRA is the second largest utility company in Africa as well as the eighth best managed institution.

He commended the staff for their hard work and urged them to continue to be able to provide enough electricity to meet the growing demand.