Newsletter Volume 25: NEWSApril ­ May ­ June ­ 2021 ‘WE SHALL RISE TO THE CHALLENGE'

­CHIEF EXECUTIVE ASSURES AS VRA CELEBRATES 60TH MILESTONEof power in the country through innovation and digitization, which would help boost economic activities and ensure the competitiveness of Ghanaian businesses.

“Innovation and digitization will be the major enablers of the business, so we are preparing ourselves for the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technology advancements that will manifest globally,” he stated.

The Chief Executive made this known when he was addressing a cross­ The Chief Executive and other Management Staff cutting the Anniversary cake. section of staff, stakeholders, representatives of sister utility he Chief Executive of the viable and responsible “New VRA”, companies and the VRA Retirees Volta River Authority which would continuously deliver on Association to mark the 60th (VRA), Mr. Emmanuel its mandate of providing reliable anniversary celebration of the VRA in A n t w i ­ D a r k w a h a s energy solutions for the electricity Accra. pledged the Authority's dependent public. preparedness to rise above the The event, which was held under strict prevailing challenge in the power According to him, VRA has begun an COVID­19 protocol measures, was on utility sector by building a resilient, ambitious move to drive down the cost the theme: “Celebrating 60 years in the Power Business: Our Legacy, Our → Contd. on pg.3 TH IN THIS ISSUE VRA PLANTS 600 TREES TO MARK 60 ANNIVERSARY VRA signs MoU with Ghana Navy to protect T p20 Akosombo and Kpong Dams CELEBRATIONSn partnership with the Ministry of The partnership was enacted with a Lands and Natural Resources, the symbolic tree planting ceremony, NPG collaborates with GNA for effective p7 Nuclear Power Communication Management of the Volta River held at the forecourt of the Electro­ Authority (VRA) joined millions of Volta House on June 11, 2021, the day Covid­19 vaccination ­ 615 Accra­Tema p9 Ghanaians in planting Five million was marked as the “Green Ghana Staff vaccinated trees as part of the “Green Ghana Day”. The exercise saw the planting Dr. Valmont Heads Medical Team to deliver p15 Security Tips IAgenda”. Siamese Twins on Working → Contd. on pg.2 from Home

Keep your computing devices secured

Secure your network. Avoid using public Wi­Fi network

IN THIS ISSUE p5 p10 p12 p15

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TH of 10 Polyalthia Longifolia (Mast Trees), VRA PLANTS 600 TREES TO MARK 60 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS of the estimated 600 tree species to be planted at all work locations.

The Green Ghana Day initiative, which was incorporated into the VRA at 60 Anniversary celebrations, had the theme: “VRA at 60: Investing in the Greening Ghana Initiative for Energy and Environmental Sustainability”, was observed across the Authority's work locations in Akosombo, Akuse, Kpone, Tema and Aboadze.

Addressing a mini durbar in Accra, the Chief Executive of VRA, Mr. Emmanuel Antwi­Darkwa, said the Green Ghana initiative tied into the Authority's “Volta Gorge Reforestation Programme (VGRP)”, aimed at forest cover restoration through the protection of the existing vegetation and restocking of all degraded lands.

He said the initiative was important because sustainable development was key to the Authority's business and its stakeholders, adding that issues of climate change and environmental protection were of utmost importance to the organization.

He detailed that the VGRP consisted of 23 reforestation projects being implemented in 23 riparian communities along both the Eastern and Western banks of the Volta Gorge in the Asuogyaman district. “We have so far covered a substantial amount of area with new vegetative cover consisting of both plantation and natural forest”, he said.

He said the Authority owed it a responsibility to the public to operate and ensure that all water resource systems in renewable projects and other low trees. In Akosombo, we are planting the country, particularly the Volta River carbon power generation technologies 400 whilst the other 200 will be system, was kept pristine and managed in to maintain the country's low and distributed in other areas.” a sustainable manner. acceptable carbon footprint”, he stated. The 600 tree species used in the The Chief Executive reiterated that, in Director, E&SDD, Mr. Ben Sackey exercise, were nursed, harvested and consolidating our role as the premier noted that VRA was complementing the distributed by the Tree Nursery Unit of power generator in the country, the nationwide afforestation effort by the Environment & Sustainable Authority would lead efforts towards planting trees in various parts of the Development Department (E&SDD). building clean, financially resilient and country where it operates, including its These trees, symbolize the Authority's more environmentally efficient and catchment areas. contribution to the National sustainable power generation systems, Afforestation Agenda and its target of that would provide a safeguard for future He mentioned that, “because we are 60 attaining environmental sustainability generations. “This is why we continue to this year, we decided to multiply the in both operational and economic embark on significant investments in number of trees by 10 and plant 600 sectors.

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‘WE SHALL RISE TO THE CHALLENGE' ...

Future”, and observed across all VRA work locations.

Mr. Antwi­Darkwa said digitization would facilitate the integration of the other sources of clean energy into Ghana's power generation mix and will help the VRA better monitor and maintain its generation assets for improved, stable and reliable power operations. He added that, “We see a future for clean, cost­efficient, diversified sources of energy mainly through solar, wind and biomass.”

He mentioned that E­mobility, which encompasses the use of fully electric, conventional hybrid, plug­in hybrid, as well as hydrogen, to fuel vehicles, offered another business opportunity for the VRA to explore. “In the short term, VRA would establish charging stations for electric vehicles across the country and explore the means of establishing an assembling plant for electric vehicles in Mr. Antwi­Darkwa addressing the audience. the near future.”

He said the Authority was embarking on precursor to the establishment of solar an additional solar component of numerous projects such as converting the parks and rooftop solar facilities in the 50MW, the 19.6MW Kaleo/Lawra solar Akosombo Township into a smart city. Akosombo, Aboadze and Akuse plant and a wind project in Ada and He detailed that, “as part of our enclaves. Anloga. digitization drive, VRA has commenced a project to convert Akosombo into a Already, he said, the Authority had He acknowledged the support and 'Smart City' by transforming it to become embarked on a number of renewable cooperation of successive the technology hub of the country.” projects to meet the national demand in governments, stakeholders, Staff an environmentally sustainable manner. (present and retired), sister power Apart from that, he said, the VRA was The projects, he said, included the 60­ utilities, the media, diplomatic corps also working on a rooftop solar project at Megawatt (MW) Pwalugu and the general public towards the its Head Office in Accra to serve as a Multipurpose Dam Project, which had success of VRA's business over the past six decades. He assured stakeholders of the Authority's commitment to expand as an engine of rapid industrialization and electrification.

In their goodwill messages, the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr. Kwame Agyeman Budu; Chief Executive of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Ing. Jonathan Amoako­Baah and Mr. Moses Tawiah of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), congratulated VRA on the successes chalked in the past 60 years, and encouraged the leadership to remain dedicated to the development of the power sector by maintaining its The Executives applauding after the cake cutting. leadership role.

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‘WE SHALL RISE TO THE CHALLENGE' ...

contributions to the energy sector through his active roles in VRA where he has championed a conscious change in the Authority's business model and organisational mind­set to ANTWI‑DARKWA ensure improved operational and project implementation efficiencies. Michael Danso, CA&ER, Accra WINS TOP CEO AWARD The CEO of the Decade Award is created to honour an individual who has successfully achieved, toiled and contributed to organizational success through a lifetime commitment to business and the country's economy.

Since its inception five years ago, the Ghana CEO Summit annually brings together Business Leaders, Heads of States and CEOs to deliberate and help unlock Ghana's economic potential by offering concrete, innovative and actionable solutions to build the country and business leaders. Mr. Antwi­Darkwa receiving his award from the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Maxwell Opoku­Atari as Dr. Ernest Kofi Abosti, Dean of UPSA Law School looks on. This year's event was organized on the theme; 'Digital Transformation: he Chief Executive of the the 5th Ghana CEO Summit organised Powering Business and Government Volta River Authority in Accra recently. Reset for Post­Pandemic Economic (VRA), Mr. Emmanuel Resilience – A Public/Private Sector Antwi­Darkwa, has been He received the CEO of the Decade Dialogue'. n a m e d ' C E O o f t h e Award (Business Person of the Decade' in the Power Sector by the Decade) – Energy/ Power Sector, in Chief Executives Network Ghana at recognition of his invaluable T4 | [email protected] / www.vra.com VRA NEWS ►

'PWALUGU DAM CONSTRUCTION TO COMMENCE

AFTER DUE PROCESSES ARE COMPLETED'‑ E.D OSAFOPMPD Team

determine how the project will look and which communities fall within the project area.”

He noted that the project had four key objectives, the capacity to generate 59.6 Megawatts (MW) of hydro power, 50MW of solar power, develop irrigation potential for the cultivation of 25,000 hectares of land and develop fisheries resources of the White Volta and the floor control element.

“For flood control, we know the perennial problems that people in the Upper East Region have concerning flooding, especially during the rainy season. It is our aim that by the time we finish with the construction of the dam, we will mitigate it as much as possible,” he indicated. Ing. E.D Osafo addressing the meeting. The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Stephen Yakubu, expressed h e D e p u t y C h i e f dam itself will start when we finish satisfaction about VRA's Executive, Engineering with all these processes. If all commitment towards processes that and Operations (DCE, documentation and settlements are will lead to the actual construction of E&O) of the Volta River completed, and the land is acquired the project, saying that, “I am Authority (VRA), Ing. through legitimate means, the actual refreshed by the assurance from the Emmanuel Dankwa construction of the dam would start.” VRA that the completion of the EIA Osafo, has served notice that the civil report will enable the acceleration of construction work of the Pwalugu Ing. Osafo made this known when he physical work on the project.” Multi­Purpose Dam and Irrigation was addressing stakeholders project, would officially commence including technocrats, traditional He said the project was on course and after all legitimate processes and leaders, security personnel, remained the “game­changer for the engagements are completed. journalists among others in social and economic transformation Bolgatanga during a Stakeholder's of Northern Ghana and everything is He disclosed that “we have spent some Validation Meeting on Environmental being done to bring that to fruition.” time in designs, data collection and Impact Assessment (EIA) report on surveys, among others and we would be T the Pwalugu Multi­Purpose Dam and According to him, the evidence of the liaising with other state agencies to Irrigation project. commitment of the government and discuss the resettlement of people VRA, is demonstrated through the presently occupying the area that He told the stakeholders that the fact stakeholder forum on EIA and RAP, would be covered by the reservoir.” that actual construction of the dam had which aim at engaging relevant not begun did not mean that nothing regional agencies including the EPA, “So the project has started. We have was being done on the project. “For Forestry Commission, GIDA, DCEs come out with an EIA, a Resettlement projects of this nature, the first and and MCEs, NADMO among others Action Plan (RAP) to discuss with all second years are used for design and who are key players in the stakeholders, but construction of the survey activities, which largely implementation of the project.

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VRA EAGER TO POWER GHANA'S DIGITAL AGENDA

Michael Danso, CA&ER, Accra WITH CLEAN AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY This year's event which was organized on the theme: “Digital Transformation: Powering Business and Government Reset for a Post­Pandemic Economic Resilience. A Public­Private Sector Dialogue”, served as an avenue to champion private­sector led growth, and discussions around innovative public policies and best growth­ oriented business practices to help the country build resilient companies and outstanding CEOs.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Tagoe noted that VRA has a track record of reliable power supply over the past six decades, which has championed the socio­economic development of the country. “We have done this for 60 years The Chief Executive and the VRA Team at the Summit. and look forward to partnering public and private institutions to help Ghana realize its digital transformation agenda.” anagement of the Volta He underscored that “VRA has a track River Authority (VRA) record of successfully implementing h a s g i v e n a fi r m digitization in its administrative process a s s u r a n c e o f t h e as part of the road map to the NEW Authority' continuous VRA. The Authority is currently commitment to supporting Ghana's implementing a 5­year digitization Digital transformation agenda towards strategy for the period of 2021­ 2025 the growth of the local economy. VRA HAS A TRACK and is on the verge of rolling out a Digital Transformation and Innovation “Ghana's Digital transformation agenda Programme.” will obviously lead to increased RECORD OF electricity demand. As the nation's He said using clean and sustainable strategic M and pioneering electricity SUCCESSFULLY energy in powering Ghana's digitization generator, VRA has plans to support this agenda, will bring on board laudable vision with affordable, reliable, IMPLEMENTING environmental, social and economic clean and sustainable energy.” DIGITIZATION IN ITS benefits to the economy. Adding that, clean and sustainable energy would The Deputy Chief Executive, Finance, of result in the avoidance of greenhouse VRA, Dr. Ebenezer Tagoe gave this ADMINISTRATIVE emissions and contribute to global assurance when he was addressing efforts to mitigate global warming and government officials, business leaders PROCESS climate change. and corporate executives on the topic: “Powering Ghana's Digital Agenda with Furthermore, Dr. Tagoe stated that Clean and Sustainable Energy”, on behalf heads of institutions, business leaders, “climate change has generated of the Chief Executive, Mr. Emmanuel entrepreneurs as well as investors and worldwide discussions on alternative Antwi­Darkwa at the 5th Ghana CEOs ambassadors to unravel Ghana's sources of energy. The only way to Summit in Accra. economic potential by offering alleviate the threat of climate change is concrete, innovative and actionable to decarbonize the global economy by The annual Ghana CEOs Summit is an solutions. assembly of decision makers, CEOs, → Contd. on pg.21

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NPG COLLABORATES WITH GNA FOR EFFECTIVE NUCLEAR POWER COMMUNICATIONMichael Danso, CA&ER, Accra forces with the GNA through a strategic partnership to drive Ghana to become a self­reliant and industrialised nation,” he said, adding that, “I am confident that together we can propel Ghana's quest to ensure energy security, reliability and affordability of electricity by augmenting the generation mix with nuclear power.”

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Ing. Alfred Sackeyfio, Director, Engineering Services noted that, as a major shareholder of Nuclear Power Ghana, the VRA was pleased with the initiative Dignitaries and Invited Guests in a group photograph after the signing ceremony. to explore partnership with the GNA to be able to broaden information outreach on the establishment of Ghana's nuclear uclear Power Ghana power plant. ( N P G ) , t h e b o d y designated to Own and “The VRA therefore, gives its firm Operate Ghana's first approval to support this strategic nuclear power plant, has partnership between the NPG and GNA signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at broadening information (MoU) with the Ghana News Agency dissemination and effective (GNA) to promote strategic and effective VRA GIVES ITS FIRM communication broadcast on the communication on nuclear power VRA GIVES IT FIRM APPROVAL TO Nuclear Power project. Let me use this technology. opportunity to assure GNA of VRA's SUPPORTING THIS APPROVAL TO preparedness to equip them with the The pact seeks to, among other things, STRATEGIC needed information and skills to create awareness, expand knowledge and N thrive”, he stated. share information on nuclear energy that SUPPORTING THIS PARTNERSHIP will build public trust and strengthen BETWEEN THE NPG Chief Executive Officer of Bui Power understanding on the choice of nuclear STRATEGIC Authority (BPA) and Board Chairman power as a base load plant for the country. AND GNA ... of NPG, Mr. Fred Oware, launched the PARTNERSHIP GNA's Energy Desk. The Energy Desk General Manager of the GNA, Mr. Albert initiative mooted by NPG is to promote Kofi Owusu and Executive Director, effective Energy reporting, knowledge MPG, Dr. Stephen Yamoah, signed the BETWEEN THE NPG sharing and the stimulation of public MoU on behalf of their respective discourse on Nuclear Power Science institutions. AND GNA ... and Technology in Ghana.

In an address, Dr. Yamoah said one of the Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, Dean, Mr. Kofi Owusu on the other hand gave School of Information and key recommendations of the an assurance that the GNA was ready to International Atomic Energy Agency to Communication Studies, University of deploy its hard­working journalists to Ghana, who chaired the function, countries seeking to develop or expand ensure that the nuclear energy their nuclear power programme was firm described GNA as “the wind beneath communication agenda goes the wings of media houses”, that has a sustenance of social license, adding that nationwide. NPG was, therefore, keen on establishing long track record of providing credible news. a strong steady relationship with its “We hope that other institutions, stakeholders. including state enterprises, will join

7 | [email protected] / www.vra.com LOAD SHEDDING IS OUTDATED SINCE THERE ARE MORE POWER SUPPLY SOURCES LIKE THE THERMAL AND SOLAR PLANTS

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EDITOR'SCORNER

60 YEARS OF POWERING GHANA'S INDUSTRIALISATION AGENDA AND BEYOND

hana's quest to become our operational excellence is keynote address on the anniversary an industrialised nation benchmarked by many industry players day, we shall focus on our long­term was given a major as the standard for professionalism. plans, and remain mindful of our duty b o o s t w i t h t h e to ensure that there is adequate establishment of the Alongside the business activities, the competitively­priced electricity to Volta River Authority Authority through its Community support industrial and social on April 26, 1961, under the Volta River Development Programme (CDP) has development of the day. As a Development Act, Act 46 of the 1961 also committed to 60 years of contemporary measure, Management Constitution. providing interventions in the areas of: is envisaging Innovation and Education, Sanitation, Health, Disease Digitisation as significant enablers of In October 2020, activities to mark the Eradication among others, to improve the electricity business going into the Diamond Jubilee of the Authority were the livelihoods of the persons in our future. rolled out with the launch of the 60th impacted communities. Anniversary at the Kempinski Hotel. In Let us rally behind Management as we his keynote address, at the well­attended G Our anniversary, therefore, provides us prepare ourselves for the advent of the event being celebrated on the theme: the opportunity to reflect on our Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial “Celebrating 60 Years in the Power consensus­based solutions to problems Intelligence (AI) and other Business; Our Legacy, Our Future,”, the in our sector. It also gives us an technological advancements that will then Senior Minister, Hon. Yaw Osafo­ opportunity to look forward to the manifest globally in the near future, Maafo, extolled the Authority's future, learn from where we have since these enablers will compel us to achievements in the last sixty years, and succeeded and fallen short, and drive down the cost of our operations rightly so. recommit to making an even greater and remain competitive. We must be impact in the lives of our stakeholders determined to fully embrace all Today, 60 years on, we have been able to and the general public. opportunities that will come our way. build on this mandate as stated in Act 46 and transitioned from our well­known As a strategic asset to Ghana, we have As we reflect on lessons learned and hydro power generation operations to travelled through thick and thin to apply them to future action, we should thermal power generation and now our arrive at our current destination. We also be mindful that the VRA is new focus; renewable energy. Suffice it have done everything humanly focusing on areas critical to the to say that, our evolution in power possible to constantly supply power to advancement of clean power generation has also been impacted by the our cherished customers in the generation, human capital amendment of Act 46 and the domestic and international markets development, financial recovery, Government of Ghana's Power Sector through commitment, our 'can­do business sustainability and market Reform, which now largely restricts us spirit', and the spirit of nationalism. As leadership to ensure that we do not mainly to the generation of electricity. an organisation, we are proud of our stray from the path of progress in the contribution and dedication towards future. The aim is to ensure the 'NEW The restrictions notwithstanding, we national development and are eager to VRA' is able to compete favourably in have maintained our status as an engine continue on that path in the years the emerging energy market by of rapid industrialization and ahead. diversifying and expanding our electrification. As a matter of fact, the business portfolio with the view of longevity of VRA's existence is a tribute As stated by the Chief Executive, Mr. sustainability in all aspects of the to our professional excellence. Indeed, Emmanunuel Antwi­Darkwa, in his business and maintaining market leadership.

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PMDP STAKEHOLDER TEAM ENGAGES FIVE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES ON RESETTLEMENT ISSUES PMDP Team

such as farm huts, hen coops, kiosks etc., and capacity training will be given to affected persons to enhance all local economic activities like shea butter processing, crop and fish farming techniques, the processing of livestock products amongst others.

On the subject of relocation, Project Director of the Pwalugu → Contd. from pg.8 Multipurpose Dam Project, Mr. Kwaku Wiafe urged the communities to suggest potential sites for resettlement since it is they who know their land best. The suggestions would then be weighed against technical considerations to ascertain their suitability. He made this point in Mr. Kwaku Wiafe (middle), Director, PMDP engaging inhabitants of Digaari, Kparipkiri and Kulunga. the hopes that there will be no discontent when the communities are moved. stakeholder team Engineering of France, experts from from the Pwalugu the University of Development The engagements took into M u l t i p u r p o s e Studies, and officials from the consideration the input from the D a m P r o j e c t Northern Development Authority people, who requested VRA to ensure ( P M D P ) receive an enthusiastic reception from that the land for resettlement is Directorate has each of the communities they visited. acquired without conflict and that engaged the five The communities expressed their suitable and enough land is made communities to be displaced by the delight at the news of the construction available for farming, which is their construction of the Dam on the plan for of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam primary source of livelihood. their resettlement. Project since they have long had to The communities assured VRA their bear the brunt of perennial flooding cooperation, highlighting their belief The purpose of the engagements was to from seasonal rains and the spillage of that VRA will see to the actualization present the proposed resettlement the Bagre Dam and scanty water of a successful resettlement that will package and to elicit the views and access for year­round farm use. enhance and sustain their standard of concerns of the affected persons. It was living. also to assure them that VRA is Manager for Resettlement on the committed to ensuring that the Project, Mr. Emmanuel Martey, Senior Government and Public resettlement A scheme improves their assured the communities that the Relations Officer for the PMDP, Mr. standard of living and that they receive resettlement communities that will be David Prah, reiterated that the Project due compensation for the properties created will be connected to the is a demonstration of Government's and livelihoods they are losing. national grid, have boreholes and dedication to ensuring that Northern water points for the supply of potable Ghana enjoys improved power The engagements exercise took place water, school facilities as well as supply systems, proper water access from June 15, 2021 to June 18, 2021 in improved road network systems. for farm and domestic use, Nungu, Gubeo, Suhuluya, Kparikpiri, aquaculture expansion, and and Digaare and saw the stakeholder He added that cash compensation will ultimately the protection of lives and team, which comprised officers from be paid to affected persons for the loss property through the mitigation of the VRA, representatives from Tractebel of land, crops and ancillary structures Northern perennial floods.

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AKOSOMBO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL WINS

BRITISH COUNCIL'S 'YOUR WORLD COMPETITION' Michael Danso, CA&ER, Accra

She said this gave a fantastic opportunity for the students from around the world to use their creative ideas and connect with each other while providing a window into their unique lives, environments and experiences.

Mrs. Adei who has been supervising and providing tutelage to the students on the projects for the successive wins over the past three years, noted that aside the competitive nature of the challenge, she always impresses on the students to see it as a clarion call to find solutions to global problems.

Mr. Onyemerela presenting a plaque to the Assistant Headmistress She indicated that, “this always as the Director HR and the Students look on. provides a compelling reason for us to compete through effective kosombo International Chikodi Onyemerela, Director, collaboration and self­organizing School (AIS) has emerged Programmes and Partnerships, British methodology to bring solutions.” national and Regional Council Ghana, commended AIS for winners of this year's presenting the best video and winning In 2011, she was awarded the British 'Your World Competition', the competition in a row from 2019 to Council Teacher Award of Excellence instituted six years ago by the British 2021 and emerging Sub­Saharan Africa and was adjudged Regional Winner in Council for its Partner Schools Global regional winners for the first time. Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Network (PSGN). Microsoft Partners in Learning (Middle He said the rationale behind the East and Africa – MEA) in 2012. The victory makes AIS three times initiative is not just to win awards but national winners in a row having won the challenge the creative abilities of the The five­member team who made the climate change­based video competition participating schools to showcase their school proud included; Messrs. Jeffrey since it made its first appearance in 2019.A talents and compete with their peers Churchill Adei, Jonas Kwasi Barimah from around the world to help find Asare Boateng and Miss Anastasia Over the past six years, the British solutions to “our fragile world to win Hewlett; all final year students, Council through its PSGN, has been the fight against climate change.” whereas, Miss Roberta Obiribea organizing the 'Your World Competition' Aduama and Miss Akua Oforiwaa a video challenge for its partner schools “We are looking for the best innovative Omane­Manu, second year students who take UK qualifications approach to transform and sustain our complemented the team. They received (IGCSE/GCSE/O and A­Level) stay here on earth, so initiatives of this support from Miss Princess Ijeoma examinations to help in the fight against nature is what we want to see more”, he Emmanuel and Master Albert Yalley, climate change and other global issues. stated. the Head Prefect.

The students received certificates of The Assistant Headmistress, in­charge Mr. Eric Mensah Bonsu, Director, participation while the school received of Academics, AIS, Mrs. Sarah Freda Human Resources at the Volta River three certificates and three plaques, Adei, said this year's competition which Authority (VRA) who has oversight representing two national awards for had the theme, 'Building a Brighter responsibility for VRA Schools 2020 and 2021 and one regional award Future', tasked the students to make a thanked British Council for using an for 2021. three­minute video of a social action educational challenge to find project that focused on a specified issue sustainable solutions to climate change At an award presentation ceremony related to an identified problem such as and urged the students to work hard to organized in honour of the school, Mr. sustainable development and building be part of a solution to global crisis. resilience.

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ADA STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO MAKE GOOD CAREER CHOICES Linda Appiah, CSR, Kpone

A group photograph of VRA Staff, Management and Students of the School.

r. Samuel Fletcher, organizes the EVP twice annually by Manager, Corporate mobilizing Staff from various Social Responsibility departments in the Authority to take up (CSR), of Volta River a day's career guidance and teaching Authority (VRA) has session in Senior High Schools located urged students of Ada Senior High in VRA's operational areas. School to make meaningful career choices as they strive for a successful The volunteers handled subjects future. THE BEST WAY including English Language, Literature, Mathematics, Business Addressing a student population of TO PREDICT Management, Social Studies, about 500 and staff of the school, at the Economics, Biology, Physics, VRA M Employee Volunteer Programme Chemistry and Information (EVP), Mr. Fletcher told them that the THE FUTURE Communication and Technology career choice they make out of the (ICT). numerous available options will be a IS TO CREATE deciding factor to achieving a successful Mr. Kojo Ayibor, the Headmaster of livelihood in future. Abraham Lincoh Ada SHS, was impressed with the He said pursuing a good career always IT exercise and expressed gratitude for required effective planning with clear the time and energy the volunteers and strong set objectives since the committed to teaching the students. achievement of goals would not happen VRA in 2013 initiated the EVP as a overnight. CSR initiative to promote the spirit of He urged the students to make good use volunteerism among VRA employees of the opportunities and lessons He urged them to have mentors and to give back to society through teaching presented by the volunteers, saying build strong networks which are very and coaching of students in the VRA that, “it is up to you to identify essential. “If you have a vision you want impacted communities. opportunities in the lessons you have to pursue, people will discourage you, learnt and make good use of the but when you become successful, the The CSR Section under the knowledge.” same people will say we knew you could Environment & Sustainable make it” Development Department (E&SDD)

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OPTIMIZING REAL ESTATE ASSETS… T H E P R O P C o W A Y ! Article Akuse Motel Before

Akuse Motel After

aking a cue from its parent transformed, from a desolate old company's mission of bungalow site in a prime location is a The Volta Place| powering economies, typical example of the “PROPCo way” Airport Residential Area PROPCo in small steps is where deep market knowledge, striving to “power” the real research, and hands on asset · Grade A Office Development estate assets of VRA by optimizing management backed a development · 4,000 Gross Lettable Area (GLA) assets which over time have evolved and which commenced with no anchor · Income Yield circa 9.76% positioned as commercially viable tenant but achieved excellent · Occupied by multiple high­profile development opportunities. occupancy within six months from practical completion, compared to its International tenants to include: The “PROPCo way” focuses on hands peers. . Proctor & Gamble on real estate asset management backed . Ernest Chemist by deep market knowledge and research T Kudos! to the PROPCo asset . Woodfield's Energy to influence its development concepts. management team for listening to our . Early Power This underlying fundamental approach tenants and maintaining a high level of . Sanofi has helped in optimizing the demand for customer service against all odds that . British American Tobacco our assets, compared to our competitors, the COVID­19 pandemic threw at us to . Africa Works and retained our patrons. sustain occupancy. The Volta Place is . STL firmly rooted as an established address PROPCo's maiden development within the prime Airport Residential . Café Kwae (roof top bar project, The Volta Place, which was area. & grill)

st 1 Phase Garden Lodge – 15 standard Rooms Lodge E9 ­ 3 executive rooms

Features: Bed & Breakfast All rooms are ensuite rooms. Smart TVs in all rooms Volta Residences| Akuse… Opening in July 2021! Modern furniture The “PROPCo way” journeys to leafy address the fundamental requirement of Akuse in search of value and asset demand to support the viability of the Lounge with garden view optimization. More importantly the project. Beautiful landscape grounds and objective is to help address its parent gardens company's accommodation needs PROPCo is most grateful to VRA for whilst utilizing its anchor demand to the support and believe!

12 | [email protected] / www.vra.com VRA NEWS ►

PersonalityVOYAGE EXPERIENCE WITH Profile CAPTAIN JOHNSON GARIBA ON DODI PRINCESSCredit: Graphic Online

Captain Gariba doing what he knows best Captain Johnson Gariba on the Captain’s Bridge.

f there is anyone who knows so pleasure boat, the famous MV Dodi much about the boundaries, Princess II, to Dodi Island, an 84­ depth of the Volta Lake and its hectare island located five kilometres surrounding communities, then off the shore of the Lake Volta. It it is Captain Johnson Gariba. provides tourists and holidaymakers THERE ARE with an opportunity to experience He can simply be described as the TIMES YOU nature, as well as enjoy the daring veteran and commander who has been thrills on varied water sports cruising smoothly on the Volta Lake for FIND equipment. the past 48 years without any form of STRANGE accident on the lake. Even after hitting On Mother's Day, The Mirror team the official age of retirement at 60 in FIREBALLS took some mothers from Accra to 2014, I he was given a contract to Akosombo for a fun­filled voyage continue to do what he knows best. COMING with Captain Gariba and his team and TOWARDS the experience left multifold He played a vital role in evacuating excitement on the minds of the guests materials for the building of major YOU... on board. bridges around the Volta Lake. As a result, The Mirror decided to Captain Gariba is the mastermind on the beautiful banks of the Volta share in the cruising exploits of the behind all the exciting cruises on the River, then you can definitely not miss sexagenarian who is the leader of the Dodi Princess II in Akosombo in the the captain on board. entire vessel, whose expertise Eastern Region. Once you decide to go includes navigation, operation of the and have fun at Dodi World, Ghana's Looking smart in an all­white ship's equipment and monitoring of foremost cruising destination which uniform with a cap to match, Captain duties performed by all crew offers a unique package of adventure, Gariba offers a memorable voyage members. entertainment, history and education experience on board the 150­capacity

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educated but was very excellent at his work. I studied about the deck, engine up hitting rocks or tree stumps,” he CRUISE IDEOLOGIES and captain's bridge for three years,” he said. stated. For Captain Gariba who has When asked about some of the tales worked with almost all the boats on After three years of training, he was sent about spirits and other scary things the Volta Lake, the duties on the to then Ghana Nautical College, now on the lake at night, he said it was ship go far beyond the scope of a known as the Regional Maritime true. management position as the ship University, based in Accra in 1976. captain must be proficient in every “There, I met people from various “There are times you find strange aspect of running a ship, from ship countries such as Liberia, Cameroun fireballs coming towards you in the operation to maintenance, and in and Nigeria and I studied for a one­year middle of the lake at night and they the instance of touring ships, programme and went back to Yeji after finally go to land on a tree. playing host to the passengers. completion and worked with the Ghana However, I'm not scared because I Highways,” he said. believe in the Most High God. The entire success of a ship's Sometimes you'll be surprised to voyage lies on the captain's Captain Gariba said in 1984, there was a see a long pole in the middle of the shoulders and how well he or she merger of Ghana Highways and Volta lake or some heaviness at some manages the crew. Lake Transport; therefore, he stayed in sections of the lake and instantly I Yeji until 1986 and moved to Akosombo feel it, but we always sail through “Every ship is like a woman, so to date. successfully by his grace,” he always polish it like a woman. intimated. Although it may sound strange to He recalled his involvement in refer to an inanimate object as 'she', Operation Team 85 which had the He recounted a sad situation when this tradition relates to the idea of a Ghana Navy and Ghana Army with their he lost his second in command. female figure such as a mother or counterparts from Nigeria, Burkina “We were coming from Kete goddess guiding and protecting a Faso and Togo who he had to ferry for a Krachi and Victor went to fetch ship and crew. That is why we give month to Dwarf Island within the Afram water whilst on board. them names of women such as Plains where they were having a Unfortunately, he went overboard. Queen Elizabeth, MV Dodi military exercise. I put on my searchlight and stayed Princess, Auntie Dede among on the river for about three hours to others,” he said. “The late President J.J Rawlings and look for him but it proved futile. late President Thomas Sankara of Another time, I was coming from Burkina Faso were all part of that Buipe, the capital of Central Gonja operation, so I had the opportunity to District in the Savannah Region Inspiration for work with them at close range by with some white men and one of navigation picking them from Akosombo to Dwarf them went down. However, he Island for a month. I have also been on dived and was saved. But my ship Touching on the motivation behind him the 'Onipa Nua' boat,” he said. or boat being involved in an becoming a captain of a ship, Captain accident, that has never happened Gariba disclosed to The Mirror that he “The VRA used to run hospitals in to me. wanted to become a professional teacher. Accra, Akosombo and Aboadze I sometimes meet other smaller equipped with excellent facilities and boats which have capsized and I “As a pupil teacher, one day I left Tamale provided free specialist and general have to give a helping hand on the in the Northern Region to Atebubu, medical care to communities along the Volta Lake many times,” he which is now in the Bono East Region, Volta Lake accessible only by boat, recounted. for an interview for admission to the through its medical boat christened MV teacher's training college. When I joined Onipa Nua. I was on the Onipa Nua as Captain Gariba, who was born in the ferry at Yeji, I saw how the captain well from 1995 to 2016,” he said. 1954, hails from Bunkpurugu, the was steering the vessel so I became capital of Bunkpurugu­Yunyoo thrilled and decided to talk to the District in the North East Region, superintendent and enquired if I could adjacent to the border with Togo. also learn to steer the ferry,” he Night tales on the He is a devout Muslim with four recounted. Volta Lake daughters and two sons who are all Christians. According to him, the superintendent Although the veteran captain has an asked if he wanted to be trained and he unblemished record of accidents, he “I believe in religious tolerance so I answered in the affirmative. “As a result was quick to say sometimes there were don't interfere in their religion and of this, I went for an interview and I was challenges with windstorms and that of my wife Comfort,” the picked as a coxswain trainee. The master heavy rains. “Therefore, if you don't captain, who is also an Alhaji, I was to serve was from Ada in the know the lake so well, you might end indicated. Greater Accra Region. He wasn't

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DR. VALMONT HEADS MEDICAL TEAM TO

Linda Appiah, CSR, Kpone

DELIVER SIAMESE TWINSbut further scans would be carried out to check for vessels they might be sharing for a successful separation.

He said as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility policy of the Authority, medical personnel from the VRA Health Services Department undertake periodic medical outreach programmes to provide support services to health facilities under the Ghana Health Services within the VRA catchment areas.

Dr. Valmont also noted that the partnership was in line with the Millennium Developments Goals, 4 and 5 and, the Sustainable Development Goals aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

The Siamese Twins. Medical Team performing the Surgery. He noted that the VRA­GHS collaboration has played supervisory roles in four health facilities in the team of medical The section lasted an hour but took zone which are normally without doctors led by Dr. about three hours to resuscitate the Obstetrics & Gynecology specialists. Taurus Valmont, an conjoined twins before they were These include the Akuse Government O b s t e t r i c s & referred to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, St Martins Hospital, Atua G y n e c o l o g y Hospital (KBTH) for further Goverment hospital and Somanya specialist of the Volta examination. Polyclinic. “We undertake emergency River Authority's Health Services operative procedures in these facilities Department, has delivered a set of male According to Dr. Valmont, the twins whenever we are called upon,” he Siamese twins at the Akuse who were conjoined at the thorax (the stated. Government Hospital through a chest) to the abdomen were in good caesarean section. condition and have separate organs

→ Contd. from pg.8 60 YEARS OF POWERING GHANA'S INDUSTRIALISATION ... our stakeholders for their continued A support over the years and trust that, we will continue to partner with them to As we pat ourselves for 60 years of public sector organisation, is critical if achieve our shared values and deliver excellence, the VRA NEWS strongly we are to achieve our vision of on our mandate of generating believes that our ability to focus on the becoming a Model of Excellence for electricity to power industrialization 'BRAISE' strategy and the Sustainability Power Utilities in Africa. and promote the socio­economic Plan, which obliges us to work with a development of the West African sub­ private sector mindset even though we a To conclude, we want to appreciate all region through power exports. → Contd. on pg.2 [email protected] / www.vra.com | 15 VRA NEWS ►

ABOADZE, TEMA & KPONE SCHOOLS RECEIVE

Nathaniel Ekue Mensah / Linda AppiahVRA AT 60 DONATIONS BY DRONE

Some proud beneficiaries displaying their items.

ive basic schools in Presenting the items on behalf of the Present at the event were the Director, Aboadze and its adjoining Chief Executive of VRA, the Deputy Thermal Generation (SBUS), Ing. communities in the Shama Chief Executive (E&O), Ing. Edward Obeng­Kenzo, Plant District of the Western Emmanuel Dankwa Osafo disclosed Manager, TTPS, Ing. Jacob Brown region have received their that the Authority, over the last 60, Yawson, HR Manager, Mr. Thomas share of the VRA 60th anniversary years has been committed to skills Ameyaw, Operations Manager, educational and Covid­19 relief items development through its support to TTPS, Ing. George Amegashie, and delivered by drone technology. education in the various operational Manager, CSR, Mr. Samuel Fletcher areas as part of measures being put in among others. The items included VRA branded place to prepare the future leaders of school bags, exercise books, the country to offer quality leadership In a related development, Linda mathematical sets, pens, pencils, when their time is due. Appiah reports that five schools in the water­bottles F among others. The Tema and Kpone Katamanso Authority also donated personal The Deputy Chief Executive Metropolitan and Municipal protective equipment such as nose (Services), Dr. (Mrs.) I. Stella Assemblies have received 5,000 VRA masks, Veronica buckets and hand Agyenim­Boateng on her part noted @ 60 branded exercise books, sanitizers to the selected schools as part that the Authority settled on the use of mathematical sets, pens & pencils, of measures to fight the COVID­19 drones for the distribution of the items water­bottles, Veronica buckets, virus. to inspire the school children to take a branded nose­masks, hand sanitizers keen interest in the use of technology and other stationery by drone. The donation formed part of activities to make life easier for themselves. marking the Authority's year­long The beneficiary schools included Nii Diamond Jubilee being celebrated The Ghana Education Service (GES) Oglie Model 1, Kpoi­ Ete KKMA, under the theme: “Celebrating 60 Years Director for the Shama District, Kpone Presby A&B, Kpone in the Power Business; Our Legacy, Madam Efia Amokowah­Quansah Methodist A&B and Hanaa KKMA. Our Future”. The beneficiary schools who received the items on behalf of Each school received quantities of the were drawn from Aboadze, Abuesi and the schools expressed appreciation to VRA branded educational & COVID­ Dwomo, all within the VRA the Authority, assuring that her office 19 relief items for their pupils. operational area in the Western region. would ensure that the items get to the intended beneficiaries.

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VRA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MARKS AU DAY

Staff and Invited Guests in a group photograph.

tudents, Pupils, and Staff of show and education with some the Volta River Authority African local drinks for refreshment. (VRA) International School Present at the event were the Director, in Aboadze marked this Thermal Generation, Ing. Edward year's African Union Day Obeng­Kenzo, Shama District with a thrilling ceremony to Director of Education, Madam Afia significantly draw focus on promoting THE BIRTH OF THE Amoakowah­Quansah, Mr. Willis Africa unity and solidarity. K.M. Ampiaw, Headmaster and many others. The event was fun filled with a buzz of AFRICAN UNION excitement as students, pupils and staff SHOULD ENCOURAGE The AU Day, hitherto known as the dressed in traditional African fashion, S Organization of African Unity (OAU) treated parents and patrons to a was founded on May 25, 1963 and colourful display of the rich culture and US TO RE-EXAMINE subsequently changed to African heritage of Africa. Union (AU) in 2001. The African RELATIONS BETWEEN Union declared the Year 2021 as “The The occasion was used to promote the AU Year of the Arts, Culture and unique diversity of cultures in Africa AFRICAN STATES Heritage: Levers for Building the through activities such as exhibitions, Omar Bongo Africa We Want”. cultural performances, recitals, fashion

The event was used to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the continent. Some pupils displaying diverse African costumes.

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IS WOMAN PROCUREMENT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Michael Danso, CA&ER, AccraMIRIAM DARKE

and ability to strengthen resilience in the procurement and supply chain sector in the face of major challenges in the business environment due to the COVID­19 pandemic.

She was among several individuals, private entities and State­Owned Enterprises (SOE) that were awarded at the 3rd Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Awards held in Accra recently.

The Volta River Authority was the proud winner of the 'Best in Procurement & Supply Chain Compliance (Gold)' and 'Excellence in Procurement & Supply Chain (SOE) (Gold)' awards. Mrs. Miriam Darke displaying her awards. The awards ceremony, which was organized by InstinctWave, a spectrum publishing, branding, event i r e c t o r o f t h e the Year', in the Public Sector. She was management, technology and media P r o c u r e m e n t also named the 'Instinct Business solutions Company, sought to Department of VRA, Procurement Leader of the Year'. recognize and promote innovation, Mrs. Miriam Darke has ethics, excellence and technology b e e n a d j u d g e d t h e Mrs. Darke received these awards for advancement in procurement and 'Woman Procurement Professional of her astuteness, strong performance Supply Chain services. D

The VRA Team at the Awards night. Mr. Akin Naphtal, CEO of Instinctwave presenting an award to Mrs. Darke.

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IMPORTANT FACTS

TO HAVE ABOUT COVID‑19 VACCINESDr. Emmanuel Sowah headache(52.6%) A vaccine is a type of medicine that trains the body's immune system so that it can fatigue (53.1%) fight a disease it has not come into contact with before. Vaccines are designed to muscle or joint pain (44% or 26.4%) prevent disease, rather than treat a disease once you have caught it. fever (33.6%) chills (31.9%) AIM OF THE COVID19 VACCINES nausea (21.9%) The COVID­19 vaccines developed are meant to prevent individuals from getting COVID­19 if they are infected with the SARSCoV2 virus, to reduce severity of the The percentages are based on reports COVID­19 disease if one does develop the disease and therefore to reduce death from four clinical trials with a total of rates from COVID­19 if one goes down with the disease. 23,745 participants. Additionally, an allergic reaction to certain ingredients in the vaccine may occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, a rash, swelling, and respiratory symptoms. There have also been a few cases of anaphylaxis, which refers to a severe and potentially life threatening allergic reaction. However, anaphylaxis is a very rare event.

BLOOD CLOTS Although COVID­19 is itself associated with blood clots in the veins of the brain, current research suggests that there is a small increase in the absolute risks of clots in the veins of the brain and a reduction of levels of There are four categories of COVID­19 antibodies to fight against the spike platelets in the blood. vaccines: whole virus, protein subunit, protein, which then prepares the body to viral vector and nucleic acid (RNA and fight against SARS­CoV­2 should it In spite of this risk, experts point out DNA). enter the body. Note that the vaccine that vaccination remains Whole virus vaccines– Sinopharm and does not contain the SARS­CoV­2 virus overwhelmingly a safer option when Sinovac Covid vaccine itself and does not cause COVID­19. compared with the risk of contracting Subunit vaccines­ the Novavax Covid­ COVID­19. 19 vaccine is a protein subunit. Research has shown it is highly Nucleic Acid (RNA and DNA)­ The effective. Efficacy rate of 63% and over VACCINES AND VARIANTS Pfizer­BioNTech and Moderna Covid 90% effective against severe disease. It All viruses – including SARS­CoV­2, vaccines requires 2 shots taken 8­12 weeks apart. the virus that causes COVID­19 – Viral vector vaccines ­ the Oxford­ It can be stored at fridge temperature evolve over time. When a virus AstraZeneca and Sputnik V Covid and is cheaper than current vaccine replicates or makes copies of itself, it vaccines alternatives. sometimes changes a little bit, which is normal for a virus. These changes are The Oxford Astra Zeneca Vaccine SIDE EFFECTS called “mutations”. A virus with one or This vaccine is a viral vector vaccine that Individuals also commonly reported more new mutations is referred to as a contains the gene that encodes for the pain and irritation at the site of the “variant” of the original virus. spike protein on the surface of the SARS­ vaccine injection. According to the CoV­2 virus. Once delivered to our cells, vaccine's safety profile within the When a virus is widely circulating in a the gene is transcribed, prompting our product information, the most common population and causing many cells to make the spike protein. The side effects include mild­to­moderate infections, the likelihood of the virus presence of this protein triggers the symptoms of one or more of the mutating increases. The more body's immune system to produce following: opportunities a virus has to spread, the more it replicates – and the more

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opportunities it has to undergo changes. suggest the Pfizer vaccine can protect Why we should take the vaccine Most viral mutations have little to no against the new variants, although Everyone should take the vaccine in impact on the virus's ability to cause slightly less effectively. order to break the chain of infections and disease, but depending on Data from the Oxford­AstraZeneca transmission, reduce risk of new where the changes are located in the vaccine team mutations, reduce risk of new variants virus's genetic material, they may affect a unresponsive to vaccines becoming virus's properties, such as transmission • suggests it protects just as well dominant type in circulation (for example, it may spread more or less against the Kent/UK variant. It offers easily) or severity (for example, it may less protection against the South Africa Does the vaccine allow you to be traced cause more or less severe disease). variant ­ but should still protect against by anyone? severe illness. • Current vaccines were designed One recent study Besides your data you provide about for earlier versions of coronavirus, but yourself, collected for follow­up there scientists believe they should work, • suggests the Brazilian variant are no nano­particles in there for albeit potentially less well. may resist antibodies in people who've tracking and tracing of those recovered fromCOVID­19 before. vaccinated. • Latest research suggests two doses of either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca • Some early results suggest the Can the vaccine change your genes? vaccine still protect people from getting Moderna vaccine is effective against The vaccine can only stimulate your ill with the India variant. the South Africa variant, although the own body to produce cells for you to immune response triggered may be fight diseases like the COVID­19 but Early lab results and real life data weaker and shorter­lived has no capacity to change your genes.

Captain (GN) Bright Atiayao, Director Naval Operations and Commodore Emmanuel Kwafo, Flag Officer VRA SIGNS MoU WITH GHANA NAVY Commanding Eastern Naval TO PROTECT AKOSOMBO AND KPONG DAMSMichael Danso, CA&ER, Accra Commands, endorsed and witnessed the MoU for the Ghana Navy.

The Head of Security of VRA, Lieutenant Commander (rtd) Richard G.N.L Lamptey, said VRA requested the services of the Navy to provide security upstream and downstream of the Akosombo and Kpong dams when the secessionist group attempted to capture the Kpong plant in September last year.

In view of that, he said, the security agencies such as the Army and Navy The Eastern Naval Commander exchanging the signed document with DCE, Services. were deployed as part of stringent measures to scale up security at the he Volta River Authority Executive, Mr. Emmanuel Antwi­ installations to forestall any future (VRA) has entered into a Darkwa noted that, in as much as the occurrence. M e m o r a n d u m o f MoU would establish and firm up the Understanding (MoU) with already existing relationship between According to him, the MoU will serve the Ghana Navy to critically VRA and the Navy, it was very critical as a guide of the Authority's corporate secure and protect the Akosombo and to guide the execution of standard of procedure and rules of Akuse hydroelectric dams against attacks responsibilities of both parties. engagement to the Navy to carry out its by the Western Togoland secessionist operations without infringing on rights group. She said VRA is a trustee holding the and privileges of the communities Akosombo and Kpong dams in trust for within which the Authority operates. The Deputy Chief Executive (Services) the Ghanaian people and anybody who of VRA, Dr. (Mrs.) I. Stella Agyenim­ whole heartedly has the nation at heart, Boateng who witnessed the signing of the T will be very excited with the asset agreement on behalf of the Chief protection initiative.

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Responsibility (CSR), noted that the donation was not only in fulfilment of the VRA's CSR policy but also, a way of giving back to the community VRA DONATES FURNITURE especially towards educational TO NATRIKU D/A BASIC SCHOOL development. Benjamin Yemo Quarshie & Narkie Aryeh, CSR/CR, Akuse He said “as we know, the children are the future leaders of Ghana and we must do all we can to improve their way of learning to shape their academic performance. Sitting posture has a major impact on students learning and can immensely improve their performance if done right.

Management of VRA therefore, thought it wise to provide these sets of furniture that will fit the children and invariably encourage a good sitting posture and conducive learning environment.”

Receiving the items on behalf of the Mr. Fletcher exchanging pleasantries with Nene Amoako after the presentation. school, Nene Tetteh Amoako IV, Chief of Natriku thanked VRA for the kind gesture and charged the school he Volta River Authority The ergonomic friendly furniture administration and students to take ( V R A ) h a s d o n a t e d included; 49 Dual­Desks, 13 single good care of the items and take their c l a s s i fi e d c l a s s r o o m wooden Desks, 94 Formica surfaced learning seriously. furniture valued at about metal Desks, 86 metal chairs, 12 GH¢30, 000.00 to the Kindergarten Benches and six Present at the brief event were Mrs. Natriku D/A Basic School, a community Kindergarten Tables. Rhoda Arthur, Senior Community, based school at Natriku, a resettlement Relations Officer, Mrs. Euphemia community near Akuse to address Making the presentation on behalf of Agbenyo, the Headmistress, teaching infrastructure challenges in the school. Management, Mr. Samuel Fletcher, staff and Ignatius E. Okudordoy, Manager, Corporate Social Assemblyman for the area .

T→ Contd. on pg.6 ...VRA EAGER TO POWER GHANA'S DIGITAL AGENDA reducing the use of fossil fuels and 2013 as part of its Renewable Energy buildings to reduce self­consumption introducing more low­carbon energy Development Programme. We are on and increase its green credentials and sources such as wind, solar, hydropower course to complete a 19.6MW PV Solar has commissioned studies towards the and nuclear.” facility in the Upper West Region of Akosombo Smart City Project which is Ghana, which will be further expanded expected to be a pre­cursor that will “Cost reductions and sustained policy to 35MW. Other renewable plants also assist Ghana in piloting the Digital support are further expected to drive under various stages of development transformation and Clean Energy strong renewables growth beyond 2022. include the 60MW Pwalugu hydro Initiative in a comprehensive manner. Solar PV and onshore wind are already power project which comes with a the cheapest ways of adding new 50MW Solar PV complementation, the The Akosombo Smart City project, he electricity­generating plants in most 75MW Wind Project in Anloga in the said, will be an innovative city with a countries today.” Volta Region, 40MW Bongo Solar PV technological hub, smart grids, electric Project, amongst others. mobility, high speed connectivity, eco He mentioned that VRA developed the parks, SMART Medical Park, real­time nation's first utility scale PV Solar of VRA is also developing renewable surveillance systems, amongst others. 2.5MW (Navrongo Solar PV Plant) in energy systems on all of its institutional

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PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT (Part 4)

Corporate Risk Management Unit

PROJECT EXECUTION INTRODUCTION KEY RISKS AT THE PROJECT Document all project requirements We have for some time now been IMPLEMENTATION STAGE well and refer to them frequently. deliberating on Project Risk Since the actual project works are There must be engagement among key Management, with special focus on the carried out at this stage, to produce the stakeholders to review and approve project management guidelines as project deliverables, most of the reasonable changes per the defined in the VRA Project Life Cycle unanticipated risks are more likely to established change control process document. Thus far, risks affecting the occur here. The Project Manager and and then updating the statements of first three stages of the project life cycle his/her team are tasked to deal with work accordingly. Stick to the project have been covered. In this episode, the such incidences, while minimizing plan and guard against unnecessary key risks affecting the fourth stage of impact on the project cost, schedule, changes to the original plan. the cycle, namely the Project Execution scope, and quality. (Implementation) and the plausible The Project Manager must keep a mitigation measures will be discussed The following are some of the close watch on other factors that in two parts. The project common risks faced at this stage and could result in scope creep and take implementation stage is a very critical their suggested solutions: proactive steps to prevent it from phase of the project life cycle, as events occurring, or to manage it as it at this stage determine the success or 1. Uncontrolled Scope Variations occurs. When a scope change is failure of the project. Resulting in Scope Creep determined to be beneficial to the Scope creep is an uncontrolled growth outcome of the project, approval and PROJECT EXECUTION PHASE in a project's scope at any point, after funding for the change must be At the Project Execution phase, the the implementation begins. It entails secured. At this point, the Project project team actualizes the project plan, expansion in project features and Manager must follow the procedures by carrying out all the planned functionality beyond bounds of the defined in the Project Plan to activities and construct or develop approved budget and time. It could be implement the change. deliverables as outlined in the project the result of the project slowly plan and addresses all related matters to growing out of control and Further, the Project Manager must meet project stakeholders' consequently beyond its original incorporate any agreed­upon expectations, by the closeout of the scope. Scope creep does not involve changes or addenda into the project. Project implementation can proper planning and approval deliverables produced, during reveal new issues and challenges that processes. Project Initiation and Planning, to might not have been anticipated by ensure that all project deliverables planners from the onset and lead to This can happen, when the scope of a are in line with the revised Project more refined strategies, products and project is not properly defined, Scope. Any lessons learnt from scope processes. Effective discharge of documented, or controlled. It could change control, should be respective contractual deliverables, also result from poor requirement documented and included in the terms, and conditions by key parties at analysis or underestimating the project lessons learnt repository. this stage spells out the project's complexity of the project. Having a outcomes. high level of scope creep can 2. Inadequate/Ineffective Project significantly increase the risk of the Execution Risk Management VRA's projects are normally executed project going off­track, often over Project risk is the possibility that under the supervision of a Project time and/or over budget. project events will not occur as Director/Manager or a steering planned or that unplanned events will committee supported by a project team Proposed Solution: Control the occur that will have a and in consultation with key scope, which is the process of negative/positive impact on the stakeholders, such as the User monitoring the status of the project project. Known risks can be identified Department, the Project Management and scope against changes to the before they occur, while unknown Office, Finance and Procurement scope baseline. The key benefit of this risks are unforeseen. The crystallizing Departments, and where necessary, process is that it allows the scope of unforeseen project risks in all cases Subject Matter Experts. baseline to be maintained throughout could cause the project to experience the project. schedule delays and additional costs.

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Projects rarely go exactly as planned, risks become much more tangible. In order to achieve a fair and equitable because there are so many variables Constantly re­evaluating the Risk allocation of risks inherent in that can create unlimited possibilities. Management Plan for an entirely new projects, project risks should be Project Execution risk analysis requires and unexpected risk is a necessity. The allocated to the project's key a review of the risks that the project will Project Manager must continually stakeholders on the following basis: face during the 'go­live' or execution look for new risks, reassess old ones, phase. Inadequate analysis of risk at the and re­evaluate the risk mitigation If the risk is within the party's control execution phase could result in plans. increased unanticipated risks and even If the party can transfer the risk, for possible crisis in the project's The three general possible response example, through insurance, and it is implementation. Common risks scenarios in this case are: most economically beneficial to deal prevalent in engineering projects, for If the risk occurred as expected, the with the risk in this fashion example, include inadequate plans existing Risk Management Plan may and/or specifications, errors in cost be adequate for dealing with it. If greater economic benefit of estimation, the project's scheduling, controlling the risk lies with the party funding difficulties, procurement of If the risk occurred in a different in question faulty materials, inexperienced manner, or other circumstances have workmanship, natural disasters, health come to bear, the Risk Management If placing the risk upon the party in and safety issues and many more. Plan may have to be modified. question is in the interest of efficiency, . including planning, incentive and Solution: The Project Manager must If the risk event was unexpected and innovation and/or have the foresight to identify potential unanticipated, a whole new Risk 'what if' scenarios and make up Management Plan must be created to When the risk eventuates, the loss contingency plans and carry out address it. falls on that party in the first instance, effective risk management to identify and all possible risks associated with each Regardless of the scenario, however, stage of the project and update the as soon as the risk event occurs it It is not practicable, or there is no project risk register and the risk ceases to be a risk (future, possible reason under the above principles, to management plan, with the new event) and becomes an issue (current, cause expense and uncertainty to be information. The project team, where definite condition). As a result, it managed by attempting to transfer the applicable, should consult experts and should transition from the Risk loss to the best alternative. people with experience on similar Management Worksheet onto the list projects for more information on the of current project issues, with the Risk Contracts which balance risks fairly type of risks that could eventuate. Management Plan becoming the between a contractor and an employer issues Action Plan. At the execution will generally lead to a reasonable Unlike the Project Initiation and phase, risks must be checked off in the price, qualitative performance and the Planning stages, where risks were project risk register as activities are minimized disputes. remote events with uncertain completed or mitigation actions probabilities, at the Execution stage, implemented.

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[email protected] / www.vra.com | 23 VRA boosts generation capacity at its Head Office with Solar Car Park

VRA honours past Chief Executives with Live­Sized Busts