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Tag: VRA

  • Dam spillage: VRA will be summoned before Parliament to talk compensation to victims – Ablakwa

    Dam spillage: VRA will be summoned before Parliament to talk compensation to victims – Ablakwa

    North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made it known that when Parliament reconvenes after the recess, it will call upon officials from the Volta River Authority (VRA) to provide answers concerning the ongoing spillage that has triggered widespread flooding and the displacement of numerous residents in the Volta Region.

    The flooding, arising from the discharge of water from the Akosombo and Kpong hydro dams, has compelled various communities in the North, South, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta region to evacuate their residences.

    During an appearance on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr. Ablakwa underscored the pressing need for deliberations regarding the relocation and compensation of flood victims, as many have seen their homes and livelihoods devastated by the deluge.

    “Remember that even when the spilling stops, a lot of these people have had their homes destroyed. And so we need to have a discussion about resettlement; we need to have a discussion about compensation,” he said on Tuesday.

    He firmly asserted his conviction that the VRA bore a responsibility to address inquiries regarding their management of the situation.

    “We [MPs] don’t think they conducted themselves properly in this matter, and we expect that they announce plans for full compensation of the victims. They cannot be living in these camps for the rest of their lives. They cannot lose their farms, fish ponds, or businesses for the rest of their lives,” he said.

    The Member of Parliament emphasized the necessity of tackling the situation through a multifaceted approach.

    He highlighted the importance of providing immediate relief to those currently residing in temporary shelters due to the flooding. Simultaneously, he underlined the significance of looking ahead to the long-term aspects of resettlement and ensuring full compensation for those who have been impacted.

    He also made it clear that there would be no concessions when it comes to safeguarding the rights and well-being of the flood victims. He indicated that Parliament would act swiftly to launch an investigation into the dam spillage and the ensuing floods, holding the responsible authorities accountable.

  • Roads Minister assures of Sogakope Bridge’s safety

    Roads Minister assures of Sogakope Bridge’s safety

    The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, has provided assurance regarding the safety of the Sogakope Bridge as water levels continue to rise.

    This increase in water levels is a result of the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, which commenced on September 15. There have been concerns regarding the safety of Ghana’s longest bridge due to the inundation it is experiencing.

    Accompanied by other high-ranking officials from the Ministry, the Roads Minister stated that the bridge, which was commissioned in 1967, has undergone consistent and effective maintenance over the years.

    “This is the longest bridge over water in our country and the government will not allow anything to happen to the bridge. The government is working collaboratively with all key stakeholders to address the issue. The government is on top of the issues and the President is very particular on this issue,” he said.

    The Minister highlighted that engineers have regularly visited and inspected the bridge. Additionally, plans are in place for the rehabilitation of the structure.

    “This bridge is part of our program even before the advent of this disaster. The major activity on the bridge is to change all 18 expansion joints and we have entered an agreement with MC company based in Tema. We signed an MoU with them about three months ago. Work will start very soon,” he added.

    Mr. Amoako Atta said the Ministry was working closely with the Volta River Authority (VRA).

    He emphasized that the current water levels were within safe parameters. He also mentioned that efforts were being made to address issues such as aquatic weeds and other obstructions that affect the water flow.

    Furthermore, Mr. Amoako Atta expressed his appreciation for the support provided by various stakeholders, including the leadership of the Canoe Fishermen Association.

    Road Minister, Kwasi Amoako-Atta

    The Minister gave the assurance that roads affected by the flooding would be fixed.

    “At the end of this problem, the government will take a general look at all the roads affected. I want to assure the people on behalf of the government that at the end of this my ministry and its stakeholders will ensure the roads are fixed.”

    The flood has impacted over 3,000 individuals in Central Tongu and forced more than 4,000 to seek refuge in North Tongu. The largest number of victims, exceeding 1,000, has found shelter at the safe haven located at St. Kizito Senior High School in Mepe, within the North Tongu District.

    Relief efforts and support are being provided by the Volta River Authority (VRA), the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and various security services to assist those affected.

  • Akosombo Dam Spillage: Heads must roll at VRA – Ayeh-Paye

    Akosombo Dam Spillage: Heads must roll at VRA – Ayeh-Paye

    Former MP for Ayensuano, Samuel Ayeh-Paye, has called for the sacking of employees at the Volta River Authority (VRA) whose inactions have led to the devastation brought upon over a thousand citizens following the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

    In an interview on Peace FM, he noted that if the VRA had taken earlier steps, such as relocating communities currently affected by flooding, many individuals would not be in severe dismay.

    According to him, the VRA has enough funds to have secured an area and set up tents to house individuals for short period until it completes its spillage.

    “VRA has done something and I do not agree with them. I don’t think it is right for President Akufo-Addo to appoint a VRA CEO and then have to come tell the CEO that the money you generate from the Akosombo Dam – you don’t pay fuel, it is water, so take 0.05% and place somewhere so when you spill water, there are some companies who have modern tent and we rent areas, and take residents living around there because we are about to open the dam.

    “When we were about open the dam, didn’t we know this is not the first time so the water will spread everywhere.
    VRA made it public that they would spill water and people should move but where should they move to.
    If VRA came to do what I suggested and the people refused to relocate, that is a different story but I don’t believe VRA made provision.
    Financially, VRA is good enough to take that decision,” he said.

    Samuel Ayeh-Paye therefore noted that those found to have shirked their responsibilities must be dealt with. He told the committee set up by the president to probe the spillage to take a cue from the authorities in Libya who have held individuals whose inactions led to the death of thousands by flooding to book.

    “In Libya, some people have been sentenced to death by firing squad because when their dam was getting full, they failed to spill the excess water and now over 3000 people have died. Prominent individuals are now in court.
    Now here in Ghana, who didn’t do his or her work well. Who did not provide relief items before the spillage. In Ghana, we can wait for the disaster to happen before we begin to help.

    “The Committee should check if there is anyone in charge who didn’t do his or her work well. VRA cannot tell us they don’t have the means to rent a tent temporarily,” he stated.

    The inter-ministerial committee setup by the government is being headed by Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.

    Meanwhile, the Akosombo and Kpong hydro dams’ controlled spillage is anticipated to persist for a minimum of one week to prevent any risk of dam collapse. This controlled release of water from the dams began around a month ago, as reported by the Volta River Authority.

    The resultant flooding has presented a significant humanitarian challenge in communities downstream, affecting regions in the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra areas. To date, it has led to the displacement of at least 12,000 people.

  • VRA gives medical support to dam spillage victims

    VRA gives medical support to dam spillage victims

    The Volta River Authority’s (VRA) Health Service, under the leadership of its Medical Director, Dr. Omari-Yeboah, has taken measures to provide medical assistance and medications for the flood victims resulting from the Akosombo dam spillage.

    When discussing the medical interventions that have been established to assist the affected communities, Dr. Omari-Yeboah emphasized their close collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

    Dr. Omari-Yeboah on the extreme right

    They are in the process of deploying medical staff to the affected areas, including doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals.

    In addition to their efforts, the GHS has dispatched personnel from other regions of the country to bolster the work of the medical teams already on the ground.

    “We are providing medical, sanitary, lab and pharmacy services at no cost to the citizens”.

    Dr. Yeboah also stated that his organization is providing medicines to further bolster the relief effort in addition to the additional doctors and nurses deployed.

    “As part of the combined efforts, we have also supplied medicines to the Ghana Health Services to help in the relief effort,” he said.

    These medical relief provisions encompass a range of items, including anti-venom serums, pain relievers, antibiotics, hand sanitizers, mosquito repellents, gloves, cannulas, deworming medications, and anti-fungal topical creams.

    Additionally, the VRA Health Service has distributed drugs designed to address specific illnesses like cholera, enteric fever, dysentery, worm infestations, skin infections, snakebites, malaria, and respiratory diseases.

    Dr. Omari-Yeboah expressed his sympathy for the afflicted victims and provided assurance that the VRA is committed to providing assistance and support to them.

    “We are in this together. It is our sworn duty to serve and we shall serve our community. We will leave no stone unturned in providing the medical support needed”.

    Dr. Omari-Yeboah provided reassurance to the victims, emphasizing that the distribution of drugs and medical equipment is just the beginning of the VRA’s Evacuation Plan. He stated that all affected districts will continue to receive a steady supply of crucial medical supplies and medications.

    Dr Omari-Yeboah said, “As an Obstetrician and Gynecologist by training, the women and children are especially of great concern to me, so anything I can do in my power to ensure their health and well-being will be done, as my Chief Executive said, no one will be left behind.”

    Dr. Yeboah gave his assurance that the VRA Health Services team will remain committed to offering ongoing support to the community, extending well beyond the conclusion of the controlled spill of the Akosombo dam.

    He reiterated that his team stands ready with staff, ambulances, and other medical resources at all times, ready to augment the efforts of the Ghana Health Service.

    As part of its comprehensive support system for the affected communities, VRA continues to provide essential relief items, including substantial supplies of canned foods, foodstuffs, toiletries, potable drinking water, and fresh water tankers on a daily basis.

    Safe havens have been established on elevated ground, and daily evacuation efforts are ongoing, with special attention being given to the well-being of women, children, the elderly, and the sick to minimize their exposure to diseases and hardships.

  • Keta MP threatens to sue VRA over Akosombo Dam spillage

    Keta MP threatens to sue VRA over Akosombo Dam spillage

    The Member of Parliament for Keta, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, has issued a legal threat against the Volta River Authority (VRA) due to their alleged failure to notify the affected residents about the Akosombo and Kpong Dam spillages.

    In an interview on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, he asserted that the local population was not adequately informed before the spillage occurred. Additionally, he refuted claims of having discussions with fellow Members of Parliament regarding the spillage.

    “There was no warning or so from VRA even to spill the water. At the end of the day when they were in crisis, it was too late… I am encouraging our indigenes, especially the Volta region we need to sue the VRA,” he said.

    Mr. Gakpey stated that the lawsuit would primarily focus on the harm inflicted on residents due to the absence of advance notice of the spillage and would also seek compensation for those affected.

    He noted that the VRA informed them of the development “in the midst of the disaster.”

    Thousands of residents in nine districts spanning the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions have suffered significant losses to their property and homes due to the continuous spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.

    The Volta River Authority explained that it is conducting this spillage due to a “consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo Dam.”

    Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of NADMO, Seji Saji Amedonu, has stated that they are actively coordinating relief efforts to provide assistance to the affected residents.

    “There are things that we need to give to the people. So have provided some food items and non-food items and the non-food items include – blankets, mattresses, mosquito nets, coils, buckets, etc. And food items – gari, sausage, maize, oil among others. We are trying to reach almost every one that has been affected,” he said.

  • Akosombo Dam spillage: This is about people’s lives, expedite your efforts – Mahama to VRA

    Akosombo Dam spillage: This is about people’s lives, expedite your efforts – Mahama to VRA

    Former President and the 2024 flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has appealed to the Volta River Authority (VRA) to expedite their efforts in assisting residents in communities along the Volta River who have been affected by the spillage from the Akosombo Dam.

    The flooding caused by the spillage has led to the evacuation of numerous communities in the north, south, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region.

    As a result, many residents are left with no alternative but to attempt to salvage their remaining belongings. On Friday, Mr. Mahama conducted a visit to areas in Sogakope and Sokpoe to assess the consequences of the spillage and engage with the affected communities and families.

    The situation is critical, with even the staff of Comboni Hospital having to evacuate their quarters and take refuge under a pavilion. Patients have also been discharged, leaving only ten individuals in critical condition. If the water levels do not recede soon, they may also need to be discharged.

    “It’s heartbreaking that we may have to let go of these patients,” a nurse said. “But if things don’t get better, we won’t have any other choice.”

    Following his visit and discussions with residents, as well as management and staff of the Comboni Hospital, the former President emphasized the importance of the VRA promptly delivering the promised relief support to the impacted communities.

    In his words, “This is about people’s lives. I will thank the VRA and appeal to them to expedite their efforts because the people are in need. We must help them to cope with the situation.”

    He expressed his disappointment over the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) being unable to provide assistance to the affected communities, primarily due to the absence of relief items.

    Moreover, he observed that the spillage was a consequence of substantial inflows from areas upstream of the dam due to heavy rainfall in the northern regions of the country. He offered advice to the VRA, suggesting that they should contemplate river desilting as a proactive measure.

    “If you don’t spill, it is possible that the dam can give way, and that will be more catastrophic, especially down the southern Volta. But we must dredge so that the extra volumes of water can flow faster. For example, under the Volta Bridge is silted. If it is de-silted, the water will flow away faster.”

    To underscore the pressing need for relief initiatives and the gravity of the situation affecting the people, Mr. Mahama raised the possibility of the hospital having to request families to take custody of the 300 deceased individuals from the mortuary and arrange alternate accommodations for them.

    “We need the government to take this seriously,” a community leader told Mr Mahama. “The lives of our people are at stake, and their well-being should be a top priority.”

  • VRA commences spillage at Kpong, Akosombo Dams

    VRA commences spillage at Kpong, Akosombo Dams

    The Volta River Authority (VRA) has initiated controlled spillage at the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, effective from Friday, September 15, 2023.

    This decision has been made in response to the consistent increase in the lake level, attributed to high inflows, as confirmed by Ing. Edward Obeng Kenzo, Deputy Chief Executive of E&O.

    Ing. Kenzo acknowledged the heavy rainfall occurring nationwide, leading to localized flooding and elevated water levels in certain communities.

    In light of these circumstances, VRA is implementing controlled spillage as a precautionary measure to mitigate potential adverse effects.

    He assured that VRA will continuously monitor the situation and provide updates to the public as needed.

  • 13 second-cycle schools in Eastern region receive 1000 books from GITFiC, VRA

    13 second-cycle schools in Eastern region receive 1000 books from GITFiC, VRA

    As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, the Volta River Authority (VRA) has initiated an educational program in selected schools in the Eastern Region.

    The programme, which is in collaboration with the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFIC) is to educate students on the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA).

    To actualise their intentions, they have also distributed 1,000 books on AfCFTA to those educational institutions.

    A statement signed by Selasi Koffi Ackom, Chief Executive Officer of GITFiC and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said the collaboration was to enhance the performance of students before they got to the tertiary level.

    The statement mentioned beneficiary schools as Adgyena Senior High Technical Schools, Anum Presby Senior High School, Akwamuman Senior High School, Boso Senior High School, Apeguso Senior High School, Krobo Girls Senior High School, Akro Senior High Technical School, Akuse Methodist Senior High Technical School and Manya Krobo Senior High School.

    The rest are Yilo Krobo Senior High School, Klo-Agogo Senior High School, Asesewa Senior High School and Akosombo International School.

    It said the sensitization and distribution were facilitated by a joint delegation including; Mr. Paul Seniagya (Director of Finance – VRA), Madam Tandy Chothia (Manager, Corporate Communications and Branding – VRA), Mr. Samuel Tettey (Director, Ghana Education Service – Lower Manya Krobo Municipality), Mr. Gerald Ekow Woode (Director, Research, Policy and Advocacy – GITFiC) among other dignitaries.

    The statement said the books would be kept in the libraries of each school for rotational reading by all students.

    “GITFiC remains steadfast in the pursuit of this endeavor as a supporting mechanism to the AfCFTA.”

  • Disconnection exercise: Politicians are calling me to stop the exercise-ECG MD

    Disconnection exercise: Politicians are calling me to stop the exercise-ECG MD

    Following the closure of all offices in order to embark on a nationwide disconnection exercise to recover debts owed to individuals, private and public institutions, the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana, Samuel Dubik Mahama, has stated that some people are dissatisfied with the situation.

    According to him, he has received calls from some people including politicians, friends, and power brokers, among others to abruptly end the exercise.

    He said all the calls that come through end with “can you hold [disconnection exercise] off?”

    Making this known on JoyNews, Mr. Mahama wondered how his outfit will settle its outstanding debts owed Independent Power Producers (IPP), VRA, GRIDCo if it doesn’t retrieve unpaid debts from its clients.

    He noted that the power distribution company risks shutting down if it doesn’t settle the $1 billion debt owed to some IPPs.

    “How do we pay the Independent Power Producers? How do we pay GRIDCo? How do we pay VRA? It is a shared responsibility,” the Managing Director of ECG stated.

    He added that “Please let’s just do the right thing because I don’t even have the moral right after sending somebody out of the office to pick up the phone and call him and say ‘hello, can you cut X, Y and Z slack? No’ then what is the moral of the exercise?”’

    The ECG embarked on a nationwide disconnection exercise on Monday, March 20, 2023.

    The exercise, which is expected to end on April 20, 2023, aims at retrieving GH¢5.7 billion debt from its debtors.

    Meanwhile, Mr Mahama has indicated that all payments should be made through mobile money transfers or pay-in slips at the bank.

    He stressed that ECG will not accept cash or cheques during the exercise.

  • Nyohini residents against installation of costly VRA/NEDCO meters

    Nyohini residents against installation of costly VRA/NEDCO meters

    Over the weekend, residents of Nyohini in the Northern Region hit the streets to protest against the new meters the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) installed in their homes, demanding the immediate replacement of all the new meters.

    The inhabitants are calling for an early replacement of the new meters throughout the Nyohini community because they allege they are exorbitant and expensive.

    According to the protesters’ spokesperson, Abubakari Jamaldeen, they are required to pay service fees of between GHC25 and GHC37 each time they purchase electricity.

    He claimed that “Power consumers of Nyohini have been subjected to deductions which have no basis, and in some cases, staff of NEDCO/VRA have attempted to explain those deductions as service charges. These service charges, however, consumers have been told are deducted monthly. But our checks and calculations is a telling revelation which we think should be brought to the notice of the media”.

    “Our checks reveal that each time we buy power, these service charges apply. Our question here then is, how long will the consumer in Nyohini continue to pay this high service charge which ranges between GH¢25 and as high as GH¢37 in some cases?” Mr Jamaldeen queried.

    He said the exorbitant service charges, coupled with other unexplained deductions, have pushed their electricity consumption by over 300 percent, a situation he said the community could not cope with.

    Mr. Jamaldeen said initially, a GHC50 power purchase could last residents up to a month, claiming that since the installation of the new meters, they now spend up to GHC350 per month for their electricity.

    He noted that, with the current economic hardship, the amount they spend on only electricity was extremely expensive.

    “Initially, we could purchase GHC50 worth of power and use it till the end of the month, but current hikes in power tariffs have rendered us confused as we do not know whether NEDCO/VRA in collaboration with the PURC is charging 30% as mentioned in the last tariff increment or 300%. Today, we need to buy up to GHC 350 worth of power for a whole month. This is too high considering the economic situation of our country,” Mr. Jamaldeen noted.

    He said, “if these challenges persist without any solutions, our petition here and now is that NEDCO/VRA must immediately replace all our old meters without delay”.

    The Power company started installing the new smart-prepaid in parts of the Tamale Metropolis in 2021.

  • Selling SoEs to private investors a threat to national security – Internal Audit Agency boss

    Selling SoEs to private investors a threat to national security – Internal Audit Agency boss

    The Director General of the Internal Audit Agency, Dr Eric Oduro Osae, has explained why some State Owned Enterprises (SoEs) cannot be sold to private entities, despite challenges they are bedeviled with.

    He says some SoEs cannot be sold to private investors due to national security implications.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, he said such enterprises provide critical services that cannot be left in private hands.

    “Some of these SoEs are critical, we cannot hand them over to private investors because of the national security implications of the work they do”

    “Can you imagine handing over ECG to a private investor, you may not know where the resources are coming from, handing over VRA to a private investor, handing over BUI to a private investor, handing over GRIDCO to a private investor, this is not to say some private investors are not critical,” he said on Tuesday.

    Dr Oduro added that even though some countries have succeeded in implementing this initiative, the level of security involved in the work may differ.

    “It will depend on the level of national security, because in our case if you hand it over and you get somebody from a certain country coming to get a certain amount in it, they will hold all of us hostage”, he said.

    However, CEO of Dalex Finance, Kenneth Thompson, had a different view.

    He described Dr Oduro Osae’s argument as based on emotions.

    According to him, if the developed countries have tried it and succeeded, Ghana can imitate.

    “Are we more intelligent than some other countries?  I mean their modules have worked let’s learn from it,” Mr Thompson indicated.

    About a week ago, the Minister for Public Enterprises in Ghana, Joseph Cudjoe announced that 12 State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) have been submitted to cabinet for approval to be sold to private investors.

    The initiative is part of the government’s plan to restructure the economy, by making the SoEs more efficient, profitable and less of a drain on public resources.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • VRA, NEDCo strike over removal of MD

    VRA, NEDCo strike over removal of MD

    In order to demand the dismissal of the Managing Director (MD), Osmani Aludiba Ayuba, the staff groups of the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have announced their resignation from their positions.

    Effective today, Wednesday, 8 February 2023, the staff groups have withdrawn their services except for emergency and power vending activities.

    According to a statement by the Staff Groups Leadership of VRA/NEDCo, signed by their representative, Mr William Asari, the staff will not go out to attend to any fault/issue except emergencies, although they will report to the office and carry out office assignments.

    The emergencies include “broken conductors, broken poles, transformers on fire, pole burning etc.”

    However, in such emergency cases, “staff will just isolate the fault and return to the office,” the statement noted.

    The Staff Groups Leadership of the VRA and NEDCo recently announced a series of actions to drive home their demand for the removal of the MD.

    According to the groups, despite being appointed as Managing Director to help turn around the finances of NEDCo, after three-and-a-half years in office, Mr Ayuba, “has failed to help turn around the finances of NEDCo” and hence can no longer continue to hold that office.

    In an update on the resolution passed by the staff in all the five operational areas of NEDCo at an emergency meeting, the groups cited the “worsening financial performance of NEDCo, lack of a clear strategy for NEDCo, high cost of projects that have not yielded desired results, management inaction leading to revenue loss, exorbitant sole source procurement of Point-Of-Sale devices (POS) and worsening distribution losses,” as reasons for demanding the MD’s removal from office.

    The groups revealed that they had given the Managing Director on or before Monday, 31 January 2023, to “voluntarily resign or be removed from office by the NEDCo Board of Directors.”

  • Efforts in place to address impasse with NEDCo, VRA – UDS

    Efforts in place to address impasse with NEDCo, VRA – UDS

    The administration of the University of Development Studies – Tamale Campus has said it is taking action to resolve any unresolved issues with the Volta River Authority.

    Staff of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) accused security officers of UDS of detaining them for cutting supply to the institution.

    NEDCo explained that the institution is in arrears of over GH¢447,000 hence the disconnection exercise.

    The Head of Communication at UDS Tamale Campus, Abdul Hayi Moomen, explained to Citi News that security officers were unaware of the exercise by NEDCo hence the scuffle.

    “What we were told was that they will be replacing the postpaid meters and replace them with prepaid meters, but the security on duty did not know about the exercise NEDCo had come to perform. So they wanted to confirm from management of the school before they were allowed to do anything and that is what caused the scuffle.”

    “When they proceeded to take out the fuse that supply light to the school, it prompted the security to stop them and a scuffle ensued when officials of NEDCo wanted to leave with the fuse.”

    “It is a scuffle. It is an unfortunate incident which happened. Management has taken notice of that and in recognition of the cordial relationship we have with VRA, UDS is putting measures in place to remedy the situation. Let us not create a storm in a teacup”.

  • PAC complains about ECG’s $600m debt to Bui Power Authority

    PAC complains about ECG’s $600m debt to Bui Power Authority

    The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament is complaining about the Electricity Company of Ghana‘s (ECG) indebtedness to the Bui Power Authority amounting to over $600 million.

    The Auditor General’s report revealed that ECG failed to comply with its monthly payment plan thereby resulting in the outstanding debt as of December 31, 2022.

    The report said the cash flow of the Authority could negatively be impacted if ECG continues to breach the agreed payment terms.

    Speaking at the Public Accounts Committee sittings, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bui Power Authority, Kofi Dzamesi said efforts are being made to recover the money.

    “I think that what the auditors say is very true, and we are taking steps to ensure that ECG pays us. But it’s becoming very difficult. But I’m happy to say that many times the Minister of Energy [Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh] does well by asking the finance ministry to come to our aid sometimes.

    “So we will continue this negotiation and with the support of our minister, I think we will be able to handle this matter. But it’s really a problem,” Mr. Dzamesi stated.

    The committee members recommended to the ministry of finance to ensure that ECG settles its debt to Bui and Volta River Authority (VRA).

  • Be warned, we are not recruiting anyone – VRA cations Ghanaians

    The Volta River Authority (VRA) has cautioned the public from engaging the services of unscrupulous persons on a supposed recruitment exercise into the Authority.

    According to VRA, these fraudsters have been luring unsuspecting public to buy fake VRA application forms at the cost of GH¢300.

    The Authority warned that anyone who transacts businesses with such fraudsters does so at his or her own risk.

    The VRA in a statement said, “it has come to the attention of the Management of Volta River Authority (VRA) that some unscrupulous persons are reaching out to members of the public regarding a purported recruitment exercise by the VRA”.

    “The management of VRA wishes to caution the general public that the Authority has no knowledge of these persons and their fraudulent activities. The general public is advised not to fall prey to such fraudsters, whether they claim to be employees of VRA or not”.

    Read below VRA’s statement

  • Maritime Authority donates skimmer boats to VRA

    The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has presented three skimmer boats to the Volta River Authority (VRA) to help clear aquatic weeds from the Volta Lake.

    Two of the boats have been deployed on the Kpong Dam and its surrounding areas where the weeds have become a threat to the inhabitants in the dam’s catchment area.

    The third has been stationed at Ada in the Lower Volta area, where water from the lake enters the sea.

    The Director of Environment and Sustainable Development of VRA, Ben Sackey, said the VRA, as a corporate body mandated to generate power, was also bound to mitigate the impact of its operations on the environment and any incidental impacts on impacted communities.

    He said since the appearance of aquatic weeds on the Volta Lake, the VRA had implemented several actions to ensure their management and control, which included mechanical, chemical, biological control and manual weed harvesting.

    Mr Sackey added that as part of efforts to manage and eradicate the aquatic weeds on the Volta Lake, the authority had received tremendous help from several institutions whose responsibilities had bearing on managing inland waters and the environment.

    For instance in 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented two barges and two weed harvesters to the VRA as the first in a series of support to help with the weed harvesting of the Kpong Headpond, he said.

    “It is worth noting that the EPA’s weed harvesters have reached the end of their useful lives and will be decommissioned soon. Another candle support has been lit with the deployment of three weed harvesters from the Ghana Maritime Authority to support VRA’s efforts in controlling the menace of aquatic weeds on the Volta River,” Mr Sackey stated. `

    Mr Sackey, therefore, expressed the gratitude of VRA to the GMA for the kind gesture.

    The Head of Surveys and Inspection at the Tema office of GMA, Captain William Eson Thompson, said the GMA which was in charge of inner waters in the country needed to assist the VRA.

    He explained that one of the weed harvesters would be stationed at Ada to help clear the weeds for efficient flow of water, which was necessary for power generation.

    Capt Thompson added that although the maintenance cost of the machines were quite huge the VRA had undertaken to absorb them in the interest of efficient power generation for the country.

    Dangers of aquatic weeds

    The Technical Manager at the Kpong Generating Station, Korsi MacCarthy, who took the entourage through the power generation process, lamented the dangers the aquatic weeds posed to the Kpong Headpond.

    He said sometimes they choked the headpond to the extent it necessitated the shutting down of some of the turbines.

    Mr MacCarthy, however, gave the assurance that the boats would help to prevent such dire situations at the dam site.

  • Aquatic weeds threaten power generation at Kpong Hydro Plant – VRA

    The Volta River Authority (VRA) had said that aquatic weeds pose a big threat to its 160 megawatts Kpong Hydro Electric Power Plant at Akuse aside the negative impact on economic activities of host communities.

    The weeds which come in various types are sometimes able to float into turbines despite the use of booms and other mechanisms in place to control this.

    This then forces the authority to shut down the plant and take care of the weeds as this directly affects generation of power and other cost to VRA.

    The company losses a significant amount of money for not generating power due to shutdowns.

    Resent assessment done reveals VRA lost ¢4 million for shutdowns between 1999 and 2021.

    Director of Environment and Sustainable Development at VRA, Benjamin Sackey disclosed this to Joy Business when the Ghana Maritime Authority handed over three trash skimmer vessels to the power producer at Kpong in the Eastern region to tackle aquatic weeds.

    Aquatic weeds threaten power generation at Kpong Hydro Plant - VRA

    “The weeds on the water can break and head towards Kpong Headpond; that’s the dam at Akuse and we may have to shut down the turbines to clear them,”

    “As a company, we have a programme in place to manage from the shoreline where these communities are and also on the main water body. If you have seen the aerial view of this, there is a huge chunk of weeds on the water body and we’re grateful to GMA for this support,” he said.

    The handing over of the skimmers follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the two state agencies.

    For VRA, the skimmers are important in managing the weeds.

    On one hand, it comes the as perfect replacement for earlier equipment from the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) in 2012 where the power producer received two barges and two weed harvesters which are to be decommissioned soon having reached their useful lives.

    Aquatic weeds threaten power generation at Kpong Hydro Plant - VRA

    On the other hand, the new equipment will help avert the likelihood of losing lives in an attempt to manage the weeds using manpower.

    According to Mr. Sackey, VRA has in the last six years engaged a company which routinely removes the weeds but this would reduce the hands needed with the arrival of the machines.

    Aquatic weeds threaten power generation at Kpong Hydro Plant - VRA

    Although the power producer has options including chemical, biological, mechanical and manual means to manage the weeds, it has ruled out chemical control due to its possible negative impact on communities along the water body.

    A simulation exercise at Kpong on how the skimmers operate revealed that excavators from VRA are onsite to deal with tough fast-growing deep-rooted weeds to complement the role of the trash skimmer vessels.

    The weeds also prevent free flow of water to the dam which is needed to produce the power.

    Meanwhile, the Deputy Director, Surveys and Inspection and Head of Tema branch of Ghana Maritime Authority, Capt. William Thompson said the skimmers will play an important role in the management of the weeds to protect the dam.

    “We acquired three skimmers.We put one down south of the dam so the water flows. We clear up here, it flows from here to the dam. It needs to flow freely. So that’s why one is there to clear that. Over the time when this is done, I believe VRA will decide and then move it to other places where there are concerns”

    “I hear the estimates of shutdowns over the period of time has been quite huge. The cost of having to stop the dam operating because of weeds and other issues. The equipment coming in is honestly a huge saving on the operations of VRA and hope the cooperation between VRA and GMA will continue,” he added.

    VRA will operate and maintain the skimmers.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Dissolve NPA if it cannot regulate fuel prices – Dr. Wereko-Brobby

    A former Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby has called for the dissolution of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) if it can’t regulate fuel price hikes to protect consumers.

    Dr. Wereko-Brobby in an interview on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, November 1, added that the NPA must control the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to follow the laws on deregulation.

    “There is a jungle market going on in fuel pricing. Deregulation works because we have set up windows for which price changes will be announced. There are two windows for every month. The NPA as the regulator is supposed to ensure that it announces what is known as maximum retail prices, so no consumer gets cheated by the Oil Marketing Companies.”

    “But NPA has reneged on its duty and given it to COPEC which ironically is supposed to be representing the interest of the consumer… COPEC is now the chief cheerleader for marketing companies who keep announcing prices willy-willy. That is not the way deregulation was set up to go, it just keeps piling the pressure on [consumers],” Dr Wereko-Brobby told host Umaru Sanda Amadu.

    Dr. Wereko-Brobby who is also a chief policy analyst at the Ghana Institute of Public Policy Options added that “yes Russia-Ukraine war is causing trouble, it has made oil prices go up, but the problem is that the government passes all the cost onto us consumers, so prices are adjusted to reflect the current global prices but the windfall profits nobody wants to talk about it and then somebody says I feel your pain, you cannot feel the pain of Ghanaians when you ride 60 strong SUVs to travel round the country.”

    “NPA is the regulator, why do you call them regulators if you can’t do anything? Then dissolve them. Why do we call them regulators, they are to make sure that the interest of the consumer and the business are both protected, you can’t have it one way.”

    Fuel prices shot up again on Tuesday, November 1, with diesel hitting GH¢23.49 per litre, while petrol jumped to GH¢17.99 per litre with Kerosene also selling at GH¢14.70.

    The new prices took effect on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.

    Source: Citi News

  • VRA commissions 2 mammogram machines

    The Volta River Authority (VRA) has commissioned two modern mammogram machines for its hospitals to improve and expand access to breast screening services.

    One of the machines has been installed at VRA Hospital in Akosombo with the other at its hospital in Accra.

    The power generator procured the machines which cost GH¢3.6 million at the request of the VRA Ladies Association.

    Each machine can serve the needs of about a million women in the catchment area in a year, according to health experts.

    At a ceremony at the Akosombo Hospital last Wednesday to symbolically commission both machines, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the VRA, Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, said the procurement was in line with the authority’s priority on the health of female workers of VRA and to also encourage the VRA Ladies Association to continue to positively influence society and bring the needed change to the communities.

    Mr Antwi-Darkwa lauded and congratulated the VRA Ladies Association on the initiative, which would justifiably save the lives of many women in general.

    He said random clinical trials and other studies showed that using the mammogram to screen women would ensure early detection and by extension early treatment, which would reduce fatalities, adding “it is sad to lose women due to treatable conditions such as breast cancer’’.

    The ceremony, which attracted women from other organisations from the Asuogyaman District, and the traditional rulers from the Akwamu Traditional area, was on the theme “Early detection of breast cancer saves lives, get screened with mammogram’’.

    The Eastern Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Winnifred Ofosu; the Chairperson of the VRA Board, Joyce Rosalind Aryee; the Director of VRA Hospitals, Dr Omari Yeboah, among other directors of VRA, graced the occasion.

    Superstition

    The CEO cautioned women to clear their minds of any anxiety or fear which kept them away from the authority’s annual breast screening exercise.

    He said it was unfortunate that some people were so heavily driven by superstition that they attributed medical conditions such as breast cancer to spiritual attacks and, therefore, did not seek medical help.

    “Let this not be the lot of our VRA women. We need all hands on deck to educate our daughters, wives, sisters and female friends to take advantage of the facility to know their status,” Mr Antwi-Darkwa emphasised.

    The National President of the VRA Ladies Association, Stella Mawushi Dey, on behalf of the association, expressed profound gratitude to the management of VRA for heeding the call to save women from such a dreadful disease.

    Access to mammogram

    She said the association over the years had expressed grave concern about great challenges they went through in accessing mammogram services.

    Ms Dey said their continuous call for the machine led them to launch a fund-raising campaign during the association’s 20th anniversary to purchase at least a mammogram machine, which the authority wholeheartedly paid for without the association making any financial commitments towards it.

    The Medical Superintendent of the VRA Hospital, Dr Charles Arhinful, said the authority had, since 2016, collaborated with Koforidua Central Hospital and the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi in managing breast cancer cases at a huge cost to both the hospital and the patients.

    He said with the acquisition of the mammogram machine for the hospital, patients who patronised the facility would no longer travel long distances for basic mammogram tests.

    The Chief of Akosombo, Nana Boafo Ansah Prem IV, who chaired the programme, appealed to the clergy to allow women in their churches who suffered from breast cancer disease to go for the tests instead of seizing them for only prayers.

    Source: Graphiconline

  • VRA made a revenue of GHC112 million in 2021

    After six years of deficits, the Volta River Authority (VRA) has effectively reversed the company’s fortunes, generating a profit of GHC112.76 million in 2021, with management poised to maintain the pattern.

    This is the second year running that the VRA, the country’s largest power producer, has made a profit; having earned a net profit of GHC156 million in 2020.

    Presenting last year’s performance to VRA stakeholders – including representatives from the Ministries of Energy and Finance, State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA), the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Electricity Company of Ghana, and the Select Committee on Mines and Energy of Parliament – at a stakeholder interface in Accra, its board chairman, Kofi Tutu Agyare, attributed the achievement to VRA’s Financial Recovery Programme (FRP) and a sustainability plan.

    He noted that despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other difficulties in the energy sector, these initiatives along with cost-reduction measures, technology, and an aggressive export strategy, as well as the effective leadership of the board and the management team coupled with the commitment of staff, have significantly ensured the strong position VRA finds itself in.

    The stakeholders commended VRA for the significant turnaround in its operations, noting that efforts of the board, the chief executive, management, and staff in transforming the company, are rare in the public sector.

    “A state institution moving from a negative to positive deserves a standing ovation. VRA, you have done very well! You deserve applause,” Samuel Atta Akyea, chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy, said at the event.

    Diversification and expansion

    In a bid to diversify and expand its operations, the Authority increased its generation footprints with the coming onstream of the 13MWp Kaleo Solar PV Power Plant in the Upper West Region.

    By 2025, VRA hopes to increase its renewable footprint to 200MW. Among the renewable projects soon to be rolled out are included a 60MW Bongo Solar Power project in the Upper East Region and a 75MW Wind Power Project at Anloga in the Volta Region.

    Meanwhile, the Authority is also working with the Ministry of Energy to relocate the 250MW AMERI Plant from the VRA Aboadze Power Station to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, and also rehabilitate its 132MW T3 Power Plant in Aboadze within the 2023 to 2024 time-frame.

    Two of its simple cycle power plants in Tema and Kpone in Accra will also be converted into combined cycle plants for generation efficiency.

  • VRA bares teeth at Sentuo Steel over pollution

    The Volta River Authority (VRA) has hinted at sending Sentuo Steel Limited, a Chinese company operating within the Tema industrial enclave, to court if it continues with activities that negatively affect its staff and power turbines.

    The VRA named pollution as the main offence and cited air pollution in the form of thick smoke that comes from Sentuo Steel chimneys and thereby affecting the health of workers of the power-producing company.

    Addressing the media at the Tema Thermal Power Complex (TTPC) of the Volta River Authority, Mr Samuel Anim Yeboah, Plant Manager TTPC stated that the Tema Thermal Power Complex had some key entities in the energy sector operating from the complex in Tema.

    He noted that the activities of Sentuo Steel were affecting operations at the TTPC and it was time the Environmental protection Agency (EPA) called Sentuo Steel to order.

    He said aside from the smoke that invaded the complex, the wind also carried a mix of sand and iron dust directly into the turbines.

    Mr Yeboah said the turbines needed to operate effectively in a cleaner environment, adding that the dust that emanates from Sentuo Steel choked the filters embedded in the power turbines which always increased the maintenance cost of VRA.

    He said the Tema Thermal Power Complex had about 300 megawatts of installed capacity and the activities of the Steel Company could negatively affect the operations of VRA.

    The TTPC Plant Manager revealed that efforts were made to address the issue since 2010 but to no avail stating that VRA could initiate some legal actions against Sentuo Steel if the situation continued to remain the same.

    Source: GNA

  • VRA and NEDCo support Upper East flood victims

    The Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have presented assorted food items worth about GH¢350,000 to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to support flood victims in the Upper East Region.

    Recent torrential rains in the Region submerged many farms and bridges, and cut off link roads to some communities, especially in the Bawku and Kassena-Nankana Municipalities and the Bawku West District.

    The food items, including 650 bags of rice, 210 bags of sugar, 260 cartons of milk and 210 cartons of cooking oil, were presented to Madam Tangoba Abayage, the Upper East Regional Minister.

    Mr Osman Ayuba, the Managing Director (MD) of NEDCo, who presented the items on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of VRA, noted that the spillage of the Bagre Dam and the heavy rains had affected residents, especially those who lived near the river bodies.

    He said VRA and NEDCO were concerned about the welfare of the affected people and look forward to the construction of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam.

    “So we have come to make our humble donation to the Regional Minister to be given to NADMO for onward distribution to the affected people,” Mr Ayuba said.

    Receiving the items, Madam Abayage thanked the officials of VRA and NEDCo for the donation to the Region and gave the assurance that the items would be given to the affected people.

    “Apart from those who have been affected by the floods from rivers, we also have people who are affected by the torrential rains, so they have their houses collapsed.”

    She, therefore, called on the NADMO officials not to concentrate their attention on distribution of the items to only affected persons near the river banks, but also extend the distribution to communities where people had suffered losses.

    She said the Region lost four people to the floods and emphasized the need for the construction of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose dam to conserve the water which destroys lives and properties annually.

    “We are wasting water and it is costing us lives and property, this is the most important reason I think the construction of this dam is needed,” the Minister, who is also the Parliamentary Aspirant for the Navrongo Central Constituency said.

    Mr Jerry Asamani, the Upper East Regional Director of NADMO, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the VRA and NEDCo for the support to the flood victims in the Region.

    He said NADMO would ensure proper distribution of the items.

    Source: GNA

  • Government pays ECG, VRA, NEDCo GH¢343m first tranche of coronavirus electricity reliefs

    Government has paid the first tranche of the COVID-19 electricity reliefs to the respective bodies the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and the Volta River Authority (VRA). in full for the month of April.

    The total payment for the three bodies is GH¢343 million, Nana Kofi Oppong Damoah, Head, Communications and Public Affairs at the Energy Ministry revealed.

    He said: “GH¢222m to the electricity company of Ghana NEDCo has been about GH¢35m and VRA has also received about GH¢55m to ensure that the first tranche has been paid.

    “In all it is around GH¢344million that government has released as payment for COVID-19 electricity reliefs” for April.

    President Nana Addo Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as part of measures to ease the pressure on Ghanaians posed by the COVID-19 announced the tariff cuts.

    “Government will fully absorb electricity bills for the poorest of the poor, i.e. for all lifeline consumers, that is free electricity for persons who consume zero (0) to fifty (50) kilowatt hours a month for this period,” he said.

    “In addition, for all other consumers, residential and commercial, Government will absorb, again, fifty percent (50%) of your electricity bill for this period, using your March 2020 bill as your benchmark,” he added.

    The President explained that “if your electricity bill was GH¢100, you will pay only GH¢50, with government absorbing the remaining GH¢50.”

    The three month programme will cost the country GH¢1 billion, the Minister of Energy, Mr John-Peter Amewu, announced.

    He said the amount would cover 4.8 million meters across three utility companies — the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and the Volta River Authority (VRA).

    Source: laudbusiness.com

  • VRA Senior Staff dies in gory accident

    A senior staff of Volta River Authority (VRA) has died in a gory accident at Akuse in the Eastern region.

    The deceased, Eric Dogbe, 46, an Engineer with VRA was driving an unregistered Toyota Corolla vehicle with one occupant Peter Horlornyo from Juapong to Akuse.

    According to eyewitnesses, the deceased who was speeding lost control of the steering wheel on reaching a section of the road few metres away from the VRA security checkpoint and as a result, the vehicle veered off its lane into the opposite lane and entered a Canal by the roadside.

    Both sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Akuse Government Hospital for treatment but Eric Dogbe was pronounced dead on arrival whilst Peter Horlonyor is said to be in critical condition.

    The body of the deceased has been deposited at the mortuary.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh confirmed the accident to Starr News. He said the Akuse Police has commenced an investigation into the incident.

    According to the Akuse District Police Command, the incident occurred on May 2, 2020 at about 16:15 pm.

    Source: Starr FM

  • We are not recruiting, beware of fake appointments – VRA cautions Ghanaians

    The Volta River Authority (VRA) has cautioned the general public to be wary of fraudulent persons seeking to recruit on behalf of the Authority.

    “It has come to the attention of the management of VRA that an unscrupulous person posing as the Head of Laboratory Unit at the VRA Hospital at Akosombo is issuing fake letters to unsuspecting potential employment seekers, purporting to be appointing them into roles at the VRA Hospitals,” the Authority said in a statement.

    VRA in the statement indicated that it had not “requested any such person to undertake any recruitment exercise.”

    It said the said individual is defrauding “unsuspecting job seekers and the general public by this act.”

    “The VRA has a recruitment process and at no stage in the process is the payment of any sort required from the candidate. We, therefore, caution the public to be wary of information from such fraudulent persons and further advise that under no circumstance should they part with money for appointment into VRA because that is not part of our recruitment process. When in doubt, kindly contact us at corpcomm@vra.com for verification.”

    “VRA wishes to assure all that the Authority is an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair recruitment process. Job seekers and the general public must, therefore, disregard the activities of such fraudulent persons at any point in time,” the statement added.

    We are not recruiting staff for newly created offices NIA

    The National Identification Authority (NIA) recently also denied commencing a recruitment exercise in some parts of the country.

    Some messages circulating on various social media platforms, particularly Whatsapp had suggested that the NIA was undertaking staff recruitment for its newly created offices.

    The NIA in a statement however clarified that it had neither commenced a recruitment process nor created new offices for the exercise.

    “The National Identification Authority (NIA) has noted with grave concern fake messages circulating on various social media platforms, particularly Whatsapp, concerning alleged staff recruitment drive by NIA for its so-called newly created offices.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the NIA has not created any Regional, Municipal or District offices, neither has it commenced a recruitment process to staff any offices; claims or representations to the contrary by any person or entity whatsoever are false,” the NIA said in a statement.

    Source: citinewsroom.com