The Anwomaso Thermal Power Project of the Volta River Authority (VRA) has received the award for the Project of the Year at the 2025 National Project Management Conference (NPMC) and Project Management Excellence Awards.

At an event held at Aqua Safari in Ada, the award was given in recognition of the Authority’s positive impact in the provision of electricity to the middle belt of the country following the establishment of the Anwomaso Thermal Plant.

Completed in April 2024, the project was built to enhance the transmission line reliability and efficiency and limit the transportation payments on the West African Gas Pipeline Company reverse flow line.

The Anwomaso Thermal Power Project commenced its first phase in May 2023 with the relocation of the first six TM2500 units with a total generation capacity of 150MW and has hence been named the Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Project.

The project, which was solely funded by the VRA, involves the decommissioning, dismantling and reassembly of ten trailer-mounted aero-derivative gas turbine units (GE TM2500 Units), the related 161kV switchyard, as well as the Balance of Plant equipment, from Aboadze in the Western Region to Kumasi.

The relocated equipment includes turbine and generator assemblies, air filter assembly, exhaust assembly, control room, batteries, switchyard equipment, various power and control cables, among others.

Meanwhile, Phase 2 is scheduled for completion at the end of 2025, with an extra 100MW added at the time of its completion.

The event organised by the Project Management Institute (PMI) Ghana Chapter was held under the theme “Innovating for Prosperity: How Project Management Will Shape Ghana’s Economic Future.”

This year’s conference brought together distinguished professionals, policymakers, and thought leaders in the field of project management to deliberate on the critical role of structured project delivery in Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.

In his address, delivered by Goosie Tanoh, Chairman of HML Marine, Power & Energy Limited, the President of the Republic, John Mahama, praised the profession’s importance in shaping development and commended PMI Ghana’s efforts in advancing the national project management agenda.

Volta River Authority (VRA) also emerged 1st Runner-Up for PM Excellence Agriculture Project of the Year with its Kpong Head Aquatic Weed Project, 1st Runner-Up – PM Excellence State Organisation Project of the Year, Anwomaso Thermal Power Project, while VRA’s project management office emerged 2nd Runner-Up for the PMO of the Year Award.

The awards reflect VRA’s commitment to powering economies and driving excellence with innovation and sustainability in the execution of complex infrastructure and environmental projects, as well as its commitment to excellence in project delivery, environmental stewardship, and community impact.

Throughout the three-day conference, VRA’s presence was marked by insightful technical presentations delivered by seasoned professionals from across its departments.

Ing. Owusu Dwamena, Manager, Operations at Akosombo Generating Station, presented on “Enhancing the Safety and Security of Ghana’s Power Generating Stations.”

His session highlighted VRA’s strategic USD 12.06 million security enhancement project for the Akosombo and Kpong dams.

Prompted by the threat of extremist activities, the initiative involved a comprehensive deployment of cutting-edge surveillance, intrusion detection, and perimeter control systems.

The project aligns with VRA’s vision of safeguarding national energy assets through resilient, tech-driven security solutions.

Mr. Ben A. Sackey, Director of the Environment & Sustainable Development Department, discussed the Kpong Aquatic Weed Management Project, emphasising innovative, community-focused strategies such as the use of bio-digesters and sustainable composting.

The initiative not only restores polluted water bodies but also fosters economic empowerment through carbon-neutral practices and local product innovation.

Ing. Samuel Baah Dadzie, Principal Engineer, Project Implementation Section of Technical Services Department (TSD), an experienced  Construction and Project Management Professional,  spoke on the “Smart Infrastructure Project”, with specific reference to the ultramodern  Engineering Services Department (ESD) Building, showcasing VRA’s adoption of smart design, energy efficiency, and stakeholder-inclusive project development.

His presentation offered insights into risk-based planning and infrastructure resilience, echoing best practices from global benchmarks.

Ms. Elizabeth Kisson, Principal Research Officer, closed VRA’s presentations with a powerful session on “Schistosomiasis Management in the Volta Basin”.

Her focus on digital innovation and strategic partnerships underscored VRA’s mandate not just in power generation, but in holistic community health and lake area development.

Each of these speakers was honoured with certificates for their outstanding sessions, accentuating the Authority’s reputation for thought leadership and sectoral influence.

The 2025 NPMC was more than a platform for knowledge exchange—it was a celebration of progress, innovation, and national responsibility.

The Volta River Authority’s recognition in the sweep of awards reflects its unwavering commitment to excellence in project delivery, environmental stewardship, and community impact.

As Ghana navigates economic and infrastructural challenges, VRA continues to position itself at the forefront of transformative, sustainable development through effective project management.