The Volta River Authority has recognised outstanding staff members at its VRA Day and CE Competency Awards Celebration, honouring employees who demonstrated remarkable commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The event, which was held on May 15, 2026, at the Engineering Building in Akuse, has been set up to complement existing performance management systems while providing an avenue for celebrating exceptional staff contributions to operational excellence, innovation, safety, teamwork and service delivery in the Authority.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive, Ing. Edward Obeng-Kenzo, commended all staff pursuing excellence and innovation at the highest levels, and gave a special nod to all frontline staff who worked tirelessly to restore power to the national grid from the Akosombo Generating Station following the fire incident at the GRIDCo control room in Akosombo on April 23, 2026.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a special award to the one hundred and thirty-three-member team that led the restoration works at the Akosombo Generating Station.
The team was recognised for delivering an innovative solution within one week, helping to avert prolonged nationwide load shedding and minimising adverse effects on the national economy.
National service personnel who supported the restoration exercise were also honoured for their dedication and contribution during the challenging period.
Separately, the Kpong GS Mechanical Team received the Project Excellence Award for the successful repair of the Unit 4 rotor crack, a feat recognised as an outstanding demonstration of teamwork, technical,competence and operational commitment.
He noted that the pursuit of an agile and reliable VRA is contingent on the deliberate effort of its people.
“We believe that our strategy is only as strong as the people who execute it… How we make decisions, how we work, and how we relate to each other will ensure that our strategic direction comes to life,” he said.
The awards recognised excellence across several categories. Ing. (Mrs.) Sophia A. Tijani of Human Resources received the Mentorship Award, while Mr. Bennett Madzah of Hydro Generation, Kpong GS, was honoured for Innovation and Technology Development.
Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Teye of Hydro Generation, Akosombo GS, received the Outstanding Technical Competency Award and was also recognised under the Lifetime Achievement category alongside Mr. Augustine Gomashie of DTI&CS.
Mrs. Nana Adjoa Mensah-Darkwa of Real Estate and Security Services, Akuse Estates Management, received the Organisational and Administrative Excellence Award.
The Community Engagement Excellence Award for the Schistosomiasis Control Programme went to Ms. Elizabeth Kisson, Mr. Joseph Tee, Mr. Chief Ntiamoah Berko and Mr. Victor I.A. Owusu of Environment and Sustainable Development.
The Rising Star Awards were presented to Ms. Nancy Wiafewaa Osae-Afari of Finance and Investment and Mr. Derrick Appiah Acheampong of Hydro Generation, Akosombo GS.
The representative of the award winners, Ing. Mrs. Sophia Abena Tijani, in her response speech on behalf of the award winners, thanked Management for the recognition and pledged that staff would continue to work diligently for the growth of the Authority.
The awards focused on two categories: Excellence Awards, which were competitive, and Special Honours Awards. A total of 167 men and women, including teams and national service personnel, were honoured during the celebration.
The Special Guest of Honour, VRA Board Chairman Ing. Jabesh Amissah Arthur, extended heartfelt congratulations to VRA, expressing gratitude that the torch lit by the Authority’s predecessors continues to burn through the exemplary efforts of the honoured employees and staff as a whole. He commended VRA for its resolve amid adversity and its ability to rise to the occasion to keep Ghana’s energy security and economic stability afloat.
He entreated the Authority to remain dedicated to its strategic vision of sustaining and strengthening operational efficiency, while emphasising the Board’s commitment to its mandate.
“As a Board, we are conscious of the weight of responsibility entrusted to us as stewards of one of the most integral institutions to Ghana’s economy. We remain committed to our mandate to provide comprehensive oversight and uphold the highest standards of governance, while ensuring transparency and guiding management in navigating both risks and opportunities with prudence,” Ing. Amissah Arthur said.
The celebration also highlighted the first-ever unveiling of the new VRA ceremonial cloth to staff. The cloth represents VRA’s leadership and authority in Ghana’s energy market, while symbolising consistency, growth and forwardthinking.
As part of the unveiling, some staff members modelled in the newly printed cloth to the admiration of the audience, showcasing approved tailoring styles during a brief runway display.
The day was climaxed by cultural displays and music from the Akuse International School Choir and Band. The celebration reinforced VRA’s commitment to recognising excellence and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation and dedicated service across the organisation.
