Reliable electricity key to Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy success — VRA CEO

Man speaks at a wooden podium during a Ministry of Information event, wearing a black shirt and a purple lanyard, with a blue backdrop behind him.

By Prince Antwi July 20, 2026

The Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Edward E. Obeng-Kenzo, has stressed that Ghana’s ambition to establish a successful 24-Hour Economy depends heavily on the availability of stable, affordable and sustainable electricity.

He said the country’s drive towards industrial growth and export expansion cannot be achieved without a dependable power supply capable of supporting businesses and critical institutions operating around the clock.

According to Mr Obeng-Kenzo, the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme presents a major opportunity to transform Ghana into a competitive industrial and export-oriented economy.

However, he cautioned that factories, hospitals, transportation networks, data centres and other businesses require consistent electricity supply to function effectively on a continuous basis.

The VRA CEO made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the second Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE)-Professor Douglas Boateng Lecture Series held in Accra.

Speaking on the theme, “Power never sleeps: VRA, the 24-Hour Economy and the industrial future of Ghana,” he described electricity as the foundation of every thriving economy and said the success of the 24-Hour Economy would depend largely on the reliability, affordability and accessibility of power.

Mr Obeng-Kenzo highlighted the VRA’s contribution to Ghana’s energy sector over the past six decades, noting that the Authority has expanded beyond hydroelectric generation at Akosombo and Kpong to include thermal and renewable energy sources.

He said the VRA currently has an installed generation capacity of about 2,547 megawatts, supplying electricity to Ghana and supporting power needs in some neighbouring countries.

He added that the Authority is investing in renewable energy projects, upgrading its generation infrastructure and introducing smart technologies to develop a cleaner, stronger and more efficient power system.

While acknowledging Ghana’s achievements in expanding electricity access, Mr Obeng-Kenzo noted that more investments are needed in areas such as grid upgrades, battery storage, digital monitoring systems and other infrastructure to meet rising energy demands.

He said the energy sector has evolved beyond being merely a support service for economic activity and has become a major driver of industrialisation, employment creation, investment growth and regional economic integration.

Reaffirming the VRA’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s economic transformation, he said: “Just as the Volta River continues to flow day and night, season after season, so too must our commitment to powering Ghana’s development remain unwavering. People may rest, but progress cannot sleep; neither can power.”

Meanwhile, the Ghana Institution of Engineering said the lecture series was designed to explore how the VRA’s experience, infrastructure and strategic role could contribute to Ghana’s transition into a productive 24-hour economy and strengthen the country’s industrial competitiveness.

The message was delivered on behalf of the GhIE President, Ludwig Annang Hesse, by Executive Director Dr Enyonam Kpekpena.