The Volta River Authority (VRA) has honoured 167 staff members, teams and national service personnel for outstanding performance, innovation and dedication to duty at its 2026 VRA Day and Chief Executive Competency Awards Ceremony.

The event, held on May 15 at the Engineering Building in Akuse, recognised employees who demonstrated exceptional commitment to operational excellence, safety, teamwork, innovation and service delivery.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of a 133-member team that led restoration works at the Akosombo Generating Station following the fire incident at the GRIDCo control room in Akosombo on April 23, 2026.

The team was honoured for developing and implementing an innovative solution within one week, helping to restore power to the national grid and avert prolonged nationwide load shedding.

National service personnel who supported the restoration exercise were also recognised for their contributions.

Speaking at the ceremony, VRA Chief Executive Edward Obeng-Kenzo commended staff for their dedication and commitment to excellence.

He paid special tribute to frontline workers whose efforts ensured the rapid restoration of power following the Akosombo incident, describing their work as critical to maintaining national energy security and minimising economic disruption.

The Kpong Generating Station Mechanical Team also received the Project Excellence Award for the successful repair of the Unit 4 rotor crack, a feat recognised as a demonstration of technical competence, teamwork and operational commitment.

Ing. Obeng-Kenzo stressed that the Authority’s long-term success depends on the quality and commitment of its workforce.

“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.

Several individuals were recognised across different award categories.

Ing. Sophia Abena Tijani of Human Resources received the Mentorship Award, while Mr Bennett Madzah of Hydro Generation at Kpong Generating Station was honoured for Innovation and Technology Development.

Mr Emmanuel Kofi Teye of Hydro Generation at Akosombo Generating Station 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 at 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 the Environment and Sustainable Development Department.

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 Generating Station.

Responding on behalf of the award recipients, Ing. Sophia Abena Tijani thanked management for the recognition and pledged the continued commitment of staff to the Authority’s growth and success.

VRA Board Chairman, Jabesh Amissah Arthur, who was the special guest of honour, congratulated the award winners and praised the Authority’s resilience in the face of challenges.

He said the Board remained committed to ensuring strong governance, transparency and effective oversight as VRA continues to play a critical role in Ghana’s energy sector and economic development.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of VRA’s new ceremonial cloth, symbolising the Authority’s leadership, growth and forward-looking vision. Staff members showcased approved styles in a brief runway display.

The event ended with cultural performances and music by the Akuse International School Choir and Band, reinforcing VRA’s commitment to recognising excellence and promoting a culture of accountability, innovation and dedicated service.