VRA Workers Oppose Ekow Obeng-Kenzo’s Appointment as Acting CEO
Staff members of the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus at the Authority have voiced their strong opposition to the potential appointment of Mr. Ekow Obeng Kenzo as Acting Chief Executive of the organization.
In a press conference held today, they outlined serious allegations against Kenzo, highlighting his role in multiple controversies and his inability to lead effectively.
The press conference, which was attended by several staff members of the VRA, was organized to address what they referred to as a critical issue that could severely damage the reputation and operational integrity of the power utility.
A history of allegations
According to the staff and the NDC caucus, Mr. Kenzo’s track record is riddled with incidents of mismanagement, corruption, and poor leadership decisions. In 2022, both Mr. Kenzo and the then Chief Executive, Mr. Emmanuel Antwi Darkwa, were allegedly involved in a $52 million sole-sourcing procurement scandal.
This controversial deal, exposed by With All Due Respect TV (WADR-TV) hosted by Kelvin Taylor, involved procurement practices that many in the VRA community viewed as a violation of transparency and financial accountability.
The accusations against Mr. Kenzo are not limited to financial scandals. In 2023, he was accused of ordering the opening of the Akosombo Dam spillway gates without adequate stakeholder consultation, proper notifications, or precautionary measures.
The decision led to catastrophic flooding, displacing thousands of residents along the Volta Lake. This incident highlighted Mr. Kenzo’s lack of competence in managing crisis situations, particularly those affecting vulnerable communities.
Authoritarian leadership and toxic workplace environment
Further criticisms were levelled at Mr. Kenzo’s leadership style. Multiple staff members at the VRA have described him as an authoritarian figure and a “workplace bully.” Reports surfaced about Mr. Kenzo’s involvement in making unilateral decisions that disregarded the input of senior staff, creating a toxic atmosphere at the organization.
Allegations of personal misconduct, inappropriate workplace relationships, and favoritism in promotions under his tenure were also raised, with the VRA Ladies Association condemning his treatment of women in the workplace.
Failed contributions to Ghana’s power sector
Although Mr. Kenzo served as the Deputy Chief Executive of Engineering and Operations, the NDC caucus and VRA staff assert that his tenure has been marked by a lack of meaningful contributions to the country’s power generation. Despite being in a key position, Mr. Kenzo did not contribute to any new megawatts of conventional power generation. Instead, critics point to his decision to relocate the Ameri power units from Aboadze to Kumasi, at a significantly higher cost than necessary, as evidence of his ineffectiveness and financial mismanagement.
Financial mismanagement and wasteful spending
The press conference also addressed a series of questionable financial decisions made under Mr. Kenzo’s watch. One example cited was the purchase of a $7.8 million condenser for a steam turbine at Aboadze, despite the fact that the equipment was deemed unnecessary and could be acquired for less than $2 million. Critics argue that this reckless spending is symptomatic of a broader pattern of financial mismanagement that has plagued his leadership.
Moreover, Mr. Kenzo’s decision to organize lavish carnival celebrations in Akosombo in December 2023 and 2024, while victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage were still recovering, was deemed tone-deaf and irresponsible. The extravagance of these events was seen as a breach of security protocols and a clear sign of Mr. Kenzo’s lack of empathy and sound judgment.
A call for immediate action
The staff and NDC caucus members also expressed their concern about Mr. Kenzo’s continued attempts to secure the position of Chief Executive through aggressive lobbying, including allegations of bribery to influence the selection process. The press conference speakers called for an immediate halt to Mr. Kenzo’s appointment and urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into his past actions.
“Ghana’s energy sector deserves a visionary and ethical leader who prioritizes accountability and progress,” said a representative of the staff. “The VRA cannot afford to be led by someone whose track record is marred by corruption, abuse of power, and gross incompetence.”
Protecting the integrity of VRA
The VRA staff and the NDC caucus emphasized the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the Volta River Authority and ensuring that its leadership is entrusted to individuals with the experience, expertise, and ethical standards needed to steer the authority through the challenges facing Ghana’s energy sector.
“We call on the appointing authorities to act decisively to protect the interests of the VRA and the people of Ghana,” they concluded.
The press conference ended with a unified call for justice and accountability, urging that any future leadership appointment at VRA be based on merit, transparency, and the best interests of the organization and the country.
