Power sector players have expressed their support for President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to appoint Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority.

His appointment follows the departure of Emmanuel Antwi Darkwa and has been welcomed as a step in the right direction, given his extensive experience in the energy sector.

They maintained that the decision to appoint one of VRA's own would help push the Authority forward

Obeng-Kenzo’s appointment comes under a government directive, as the VRA board has yet to be reconstituted.

Until a formal decision is made by the new board, he will oversee the operations of the authority in an acting capacity.

A formal handover ceremony was held on Wednesday, February 5, where Antwi Darkwa officially transferred leadership to Obeng-Kenzo.

This transition marks a crucial moment for VRA as it continues its mission of delivering reliable and sustainable energy solutions for Ghana.

Who is Edward Obeng-Kenzo?

Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo is a seasoned business executive with 24 years of experience in the power sector.

His expertise spans engineering, operations, and strategic leadership, making him well-equipped to lead the VRA during this transitional phase.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mechanical Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

He is also a member of the Ghana Institution of Engineering.

Prior to his appointment, Obeng-Kenzo served as the Deputy Chief Executive for Engineering and Operations, playing a key role in shaping the authority’s technical and operational strategies.

His past roles within the VRA include:

Director, Thermal Generation SBU

Plant Manager, Tema Thermal Power Complex (TTPC)

Operations Manager, TTPC

Project Manager, Tema Thermal 2 Power Project (49.5MW Siemens Emergency Power Plant)

His extensive leadership experience has positioned him well to provide strategic direction and drive efficiency improvements across the VRA’s engineering and operations divisions.

Expectations as Acting CEO

As Acting CEO, Obeng-Kenzo is expected to maintain VRA’s commitment to Ghana’s energy security while fostering innovation and sustainability. He will oversee key divisions, including:

Hydro Generation

Thermal Generation

Engineering Services

Technical Services

Environment & Sustainable Development

Commercial Services

Strategic Projects and New Business

Utility Services, Water Resources, and Renewable Energy

His leadership is anticipated to strengthen VRA’s role in Ghana’s energy sector and drive progress toward a more sustainable and efficient power supply system.