The Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Edward E. Obeng-Kenzo, says reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity will determine whether Ghana’s ambitious 24-Hour Economy succeeds.
Delivering the keynote address at the 2nd Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) Professor Douglas Boateng Lecture Series in Accra, Mr. Obeng-Kenzo said uninterrupted electricity is essential to drive industrialisation, boost exports and sustain businesses operating around the clock.
“The success of the 24-hour economy will be determined largely by the reliability, affordability and availability of power,” he said.
He explained that while the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme presents a major opportunity to transform Ghana into a competitive manufacturing and export hub, that vision cannot be achieved without dependable electricity for factories, hospitals, transport systems, data centres and other critical infrastructure.
Speaking on the theme, “Power Never Sleeps: VRA, the 24-Hour Economy and the Industrial Future of Ghana,” Mr. Obeng-Kenzo said VRA has evolved from a hydroelectric utility into a diversified power producer with hydro, thermal and renewable energy assets and an installed capacity of about 2,547 megawatts, supplying both Ghana and neighbouring countries.
To meet rising demand, he said the Authority is investing in renewable energy projects, modernising existing generation facilities and deploying smart technologies to build a cleaner, more resilient and reliable electricity system.
He added that although Ghana has significantly expanded electricity access, further investments in grid modernisation, battery energy storage, digital monitoring systems and other critical infrastructure will be needed to support continuous industrial production.
Mr. Obeng-Kenzo described the energy sector as no longer just an enabler of economic activity but a key driver of industrialisation, investment, employment and regional integration.
The annual GhIE Professor Douglas Boateng Lecture Series brings together engineers, policymakers, academia and industry leaders to discuss engineering solutions that support sustainable infrastructure development and Ghana’s long-term economic transformation.