News
60 years of managing national strategic asset — VRA stands tall
Now an adult company, the Volta River Authority (VRA) a strategic asset to Ghana, has attained 60 years in its operations.
The Authority has travelled through thick and thin to arrive at its current destination.
With the spirit of nationalism, the staff have defied all odds and faced the myriad of challenges confronting VRA head on to provide quality service to the people of this country and beyond.
They have done everything humanly possible to constantly generate power for their cherished customers-domestic and industrial users.
The VRA is of national relevance in spite of the challenges and competition in the energy or power sector.
Addressing the staff and guests in Accra on Monday to mark the 60 years of its establishment and provision of selfless services, the Chief Executive of Volta River Authority, Mr. Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa said that their stellar performance stemmed from the “can-do” spirit which had bound them together and propelled them to enviable heights in the energy sector.
“We plan, we develop, we execute and we operate, all by ourselves. That is really what sets us apart,” he said.
The theme was “Celebrating 60 years in the Power Business: Our Legacy, Our future.”
Mr. Antwi-Darkwa said that pieces of evidence across the country showed that VRA had lived up to its responsibilities and, therefore, asked Ghanaians to continue to have faith in the Authority as it had embarked on a number of renewable projects to meet the national demand in an environmentally-sustainable manner.
He indicated that the 60 MW Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam Project had additional Solar Component of 50 MW whille the 19.6 MW Kaleo/Lawra Solar Plants were under construction as well as the wind projects at Ada in the Greater Accra Region, and Anloga in the Volta Region were under way.
“We will continue to nurse other potential renewable projects on the Oti River as well as a pipeline of solar projects at Bongo, Walewale and other parts of the country.
“While focusing on our long term plans, we recognise that we are duty bound to ensure that there is adequate, competitively-priced electricity to support industrial and social development of the day.
“As an organisation, we are proud of our commitment and dedication towards national development and we pledge to continue on that path in the years ahead,” he emphasised.
By Castro Zanginna-Tong
Troubled and anxious citizens in Damongo of the Savannah Region have expressed concerns about the number of young people, believed to be under the age of 18, involved in ‘shisha’ smoking in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
Eyewitnesses say the minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, where Shisha smoking happen in the open.
The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing the operations of entertainment centres in the municipality and country as a whole.
An eyewitness, who spoke to The Spectator on conditions of anonymity for security reasons, noted that the situation was becoming increasingly common.
“This is not a one-off incident. It is becoming very common, but residents like us cannot openly report or speak about it because our lives will be at risk,” he said.
Under Ghanaian law, minors were prohibited from patronising Shisha.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
The residents believe the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations and have called on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
In an effort to address the menace, Mr Salisu Be-Awurbi, the Savannah Regional Minister, has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions to address the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, the Chief of Damongo, has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse, warning that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious health threat to the future of the youth in the Savannah Region.
He also cautioned individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, stressing that offenders will face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
From Geoffrey Buta, Damongo, Savannah Region
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Dr Theresa Baffour, an advocate for ending violence and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SAHM SAHW Foundation, has said that society plays a critical and pivotal role in breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
According to her, domestic violence is a major contributor of making women, who are mostly the victims, mentally derailed and unable to engage in economic activities.
She said this when the foundation called on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to solicit support for the initiative by the “Strong and Healthy Minds, Strong and Healthy Women” (SAHM SAHW) to combat domestic violence within the Ga State.
The visit was occasioned by the fact that domestic violence cases have become quite prevalent in the Ga communities and is retarding growth.
According to her, the canker was an impediment to national development because the victims were usually tortured and would have to go through series of therapies to return to the right state of mind.
Dr Baffour mentioned that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) places a mental toll on women, and was, therefore, important to break the cycle through comprehensive mental health support, crisis intervention and empowerment programmes in communities with high rates of GBV.
This intervention, she underscored, would help in empowering the denigrated victim of domestic violence to soundly heal, build and thrive.
Dr Baffour added that the initiative would provide holistic, trauma-informed mental health care and advocacy for young women affected by domestic violence.
According to her, the above statement would create safe spaces for healing and equipping them with entrepreneurial skills for renewed hope and empowered life.
The Ga Mantse pledged his support for the laudable initiative to combat domestic violence and also acknowledged the need to address it in the Ga State.
Further endorsement came from Justice Julia Naa-Yarley Adjei Amoah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Ga Mantse, as she commended the team of SAHM SAHW Foundation for taking a bold step to end the canker in the Greater Accra.
She added that it was a step in the right direction to save vulnerable women from torture, stress and emotional abuse.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
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