The Management of the Volta River Authority and operators of the Aboadze Thermal Plant has noted how prudent investment and managerial skills have turned the fortunes of the company around.
Though the company operated at a lost some years back, management through the “BRAISE” concept was now recording significant profit worthy of recognition as market leaders in power production.
The BRAISE concept, according to Engineer Emmanuel Dankwa Osafo, Deputy Chief Executive of the Authority, hinged on Build, Nurture and Develop human capacity, Restore finances, Advance internal and external business process.
The rest are, improve upon operational and project implementation efficiencies, sustain position as market leader and ensure development in a sustainable manner.
This came to light when some members of the Council of State paid a working visit to the company as part of their three day working tour of the Western Region.
Engineer Osafo told the Council that State institutions such as VRA, Electricity Company of Ghana among others have the potential to do more in terms of revenue generation and retention for economic growth if government infuse the right fiscal support.
He said, “in 2016, we were losing in billions but when we spoke to our people to own the company and show commitment to their work …things have improved tremendously…we can run state institutions with private mentality and succeed in deed”.
The VRA is now into three sectors of energy generation: Solar, Thermal and Hydro with key projects on stream such as, the Pwalugu Dam, T3 and Takoradi Thermal life extension, solar Projects among others.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer said the Company dreams of a strategic partner to kick start another Thermal project that have been lying fallow for many years.
The company is also environmental responsible and have undertaken huge corporate Social responsibility among its catchment Communities.
Mr. Osafo told the Council of State members that now that the Company was strong and on its feet, management was devising a financial sustainability plan that should take the Company to the next sixty years.
Nana Otuo Siriboe II, the Chairman of the Council of State, revealed that the seventh Council had lots of engagement on the T3 and hence the need for the current Council to follow up and learn things for themselves and how the Council could better advise the President to advance their course.
“We deemed it very important to visit the Western Region first, particularly the energy enclave and see for ourselves issues in the Sector in its entirety,” he added.
The visit by the Council of State is the first of its kind by the highest advisory body to the President.
The Chairman added, “we cannot continue to be armchair Advisers, hence the need to come to the grounds, interact and learn about real time concerns of institutions to appreciate and better advise”.
The Council also visited the construction site of the GNPC Operational Headquarters, where work was progressing within project timelines.
The Operational Headquarters, sited near the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) in Takoradi, was a campaign promise by the President to ensure that many of the players in the oil and gas business could become easily accessible by all concerned individuals wishing to do business.
