The Volta River Authority (VRA) says it is re-positioning and bracing itself for competition which will arise in the next few years when Independent Power Producers (IPP’S) begin their formal operations. As part of activities geared towards the achievement of that strategic plan for the competition, management of the VRA has taken the VRA Press Corps through a day’s seminar and interaction with management on what members of the general public should be expecting from the VRA. In this respect, the VRA will be undertaking some series of activities that will make the authority function effectively and efficiently in their bid to remain the leader of power supply in the sub-region. A senior engineer of the VRA, Kwaku Wiafe, said with actions such as refurbishing its equipment and shedding off some of its non-core functions, they will be ready for competition. Mr. Wiafe believes with the advent of four Independent Power Producers such as the Sonon-Asogli Power Station, and the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) as well as the West African Power Pool (WAPP), the VRA may in the next five years embark on restructuring exercises such as divesting itself of non-core functions. Among some of the major non-core functions it may do away with are the Kpong Farms, the Health Boat Christened the Onipa Nua, Schools, the VRA hotels and its transportation system. VRA intends to find partners who will manage them for profitability, reduce cost and improve on their efficiency. The Volta River Authority was established on April 26, 1961 by an Act of Parliament, Act 46 to provide power supply within Ghana and the Sub-region. With a total power supply of 1969 mega watts, it has a mix of hydro and thermal and a labour force of about 3000. Story by Kojo Asare-Baffour Acheampong Asempa 94.7FM