The Volta River Authority (VRA) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to sustainable community development, pledging to continue investing in key social sectors across its operational zones in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandate.

For over six decades, the authority has rolled out numerous development programmes in education, health, water and sanitation, environmental protection, and socio-economic empowerment, guided by its CSR Policy and Community Development Programme (CDP) framework.

VRA's interventions are structured around four strategic pillars: education, socio-economic empowerment, health and sanitation, and environmental stewardship. These continue to shape the authority's impact on communities.

Since 2011, the authority has awarded scholarships to 449 students 234 at the Senior High School (SHS) level (prior to the introduction of Free SHS) and 215 at the tertiary level. To further support education, VRA runs an Employee Volunteer Programme (EVP), where staff provide free teaching, mentorship, and career guidance to public SHS students.

The authority also regularly donates teaching and learning materials and undertakes infrastructure development in schools located in its operational communities.

In the area of economic empowerment, VRA continues to implement poverty alleviation initiatives such as beekeeping and fruit-tree cultivation. These efforts aim to improve incomes and promote sustainable livelihoods, especially in riparian communities.

Health and Sanitation

To support public health, the authority has installed several solar-mechanised boreholes and biofil sanitation systems across various districts. These interventions not only improve access to clean water and sanitary facilities but also form part of VRA’s strategy to combat schistosomiasis (bilharzia) and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.

As part of its environmental stewardship, the authority engages in reforestation, watershed management, aquatic weed control, and pollution prevention, especially within the Volta Gorge and adjoining areas.

VRA also supports cultural events that preserve oral history and uphold the traditions of host communities.

In Akuse, VRA’s efforts span scholarship schemes, donation of educational materials, staff volunteer activities, and support for cultural programmes. The authority also helped improve the road from Okwenya Junction to Akuse VRA Junction, enhancing mobility and access.

Together with internal staff groups such as VRA Ladies (VRALA) and the Association of VRA Technician Engineers (AVRATE), the authority has supported orphanages, refurbished the Natriku D/A Primary School block, and provided accommodation for some hospital staff at Akuse.

VRA acknowledges that the provision of roads and other infrastructure typically falls under the remit of local government. However, it continues to collaborate with stakeholders to support such developments where possible and within available resources.

Communities including Akosombo, Akuse, Tema, Kpone, Aboadze, Anwomaso, and their environs continue to benefit from the authority’s development programmes. VRA has assured residents of its consistent support and intention to remain a key partner in community growth.

The authority emphasised its openness to constructive dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and meaningful partnerships as part of its commitment to inclusive development. It pledged to continue working with traditional leaders, local authorities, and community groups to address priority needs within its CSR mandate.