NEWS

Newsletter Volume 22: July- August - September - 2020 PRESIDENT LAUDS VRA & CONTRACTOR FOR How to Stay Safe LAWRA SOLAR PLANT CAPACITY INCREASE

Avoid crowded places

President Akufo-Addo unveiling a plaque to mark the commissioning of the plant resident Akufo Addo has lauded engineers of The plant, which forms part of the Volta Rover Authority and Elecnor the the first phase of the VRA's

Avoid close-contact Spanish technology giant, for deploying best Renewable Energy Programme, settings engineering strategy that helped to increase the Lawra Solar Plant capacity size in the UpperP West Region. → Contd. on pg.2 IN THIS ISSUE The photovoltaic solar technology, which had an initial

capacity of 4Megawatts (MW), had its overall installed Chief Executive charges media p 5 capacity increased to 6.5MW after completion without to promote peaceful elections any additional cost. ‘We have made modest gains despite p 14 Covid-19’

Commissioning the Plant, the President said the team of VRA CDP scholarship produces its first p 15 engineers from the VRA and Elecnor had exhibited Medical Doctor Avoid confined & leadership, commitment and high engineering standards Chief of Defense Staff visits Akosombo p 18 enclosed space that have guaranteed value for money. Generation Station VRA NEWS ►

→ Contd. from pg.1

effects of climate change,” President Akufo-Addo said.

The President was confident that the solar plant at Lawra and Kaleo, whose combined output is sufficient to meet a significant portion of the electricity demand in the Upper West Region, will help support local, small and medium scale enterprises, as well as enhance other socio- economic activities. He emphasized that “it will help reduce transmission losses on our national grid and improve the reliability of the distribution system in Lawra and its environs.”

President Akufo-Addo said, “It is gratifying to learn that the Volta River Authority (VRA) will ensure that this facility becomes a source for practical studies on solar power operations by Technical Universities Mr. Kweku Awotwi, Board Chairman, VRA in the regions of the northern sector of Ghana.” is the second Grid-Connected solar plant after the 2.5MW solar farm He said, as part of VRA’s Corporate commissioned in 2013 at Navrongo in Social Responsibility to the the Upper East Region. community, both VRA and Elecnor, the Project Contractor, have The VRA in February this year cut the THE COMPLETION OF undertaken to provide smaller sod for the construction of the Lawra installations of solar power as back- and Kaleo solar projects with a total THE PROJECT CONFIRMS up power to some specific facilities capacity of 17MW in the Nadowli in the community, namely the Lawra District and Lawra Municipality GOVERNMENT'S Hospital, Municipal Police respectively in the Upper West Command, and a stand-alone system Region. However, after implementing COMMITMENT TO to the Lawra Paramount Chief's some technical improvements to the palace.” two projects the overall total capacity DIVERSIFY THE increased to 19.62MW. The 13.12MW COUNTRY'S ENERGY The Energy Minister, Mr. John-Peter Kaleo project, which is currently Amewu said the Government's nearing completion is expected to be GENERATION Renewable Energy Master Plan has a commissioned early 2021. key objective of increasing utility- PORTFOLIO scale solar generation from 42.5MW President Akufo-Addo also applauded in 2019 to 130MW in 2020 and the project team for completing the 195MW in 2025. Lawra Plant ahead of schedule despite “The completion of the project the challenges posed by the COVID- confirms Government's commitment He said to meet Ghana's commitment 19 era. He also expressed gratitude to to diversify the country's energy under the Paris Agreement of the the German government for providing generation portfolio and thereby United Nations Framework 22.2 million Euros loan facility for the increase the renewable energy Convention for climate change, project. component of our energy mix and government will continue to promote contribute to our fight against the implementation of grid-connected

→ Contd. on pg.3

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→ Contd. from pg.2

and off-grid renewable energy technologies. “Our Intended Nationally Determined Contribution goal, under the Paris Agreement, is to increase the penetration of the total supply of renewable energy by 10 per cent by 2030. The committed actions include; increasing installed capacity of small to medium scale hydropower by 150-300MW and utility-scale solar by 150-250MW by 2030.”

Board Chairman of VRA, Mr. Kweku Andoh Awotwi, noted that energy portfolios worldwide, are fast changing with the shift to clean renewable energy. “The diversification of Ghana's power generation portfolio to include renewable energy expresses VRA's commitment to ensuring sound and A Section of dignitaries at the function sustainable environmental management.”

He said the solar power plant will provide electricity to about 50,000 households through the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). “This, I believe would contribute to acceleration of the socio- economic development in the Upper West, Savannah and Upper East regions by ensuring the availability of stable and cost-effective electricity.”

Present at the commissioning ceremony was Mr. Emmanuel Antwi- Darkwa, Chief Executive of VRA, Ministers of State, Parliamentarians, Stakeholders, Traditional Leaders, Technocrats among others. The President being briefed at the control room

The Lawra Solar Panels

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EDITOR'S CORNER We Are NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET

he Global Crisis of As staff of the Volta River Authority sympathy to the family of the Late our time, COVID- (VRA), it is very imperative that we Mr. Kwesi Somuah-Boateng, a 19, is still with us. continue to demonstrate our former staff of the Authority at the Our daily infection commitment towards austerity Finance department who rates are no longer in measures put in place by the VRA inevitably lost the fight against the the hundreds as they Management that has limited the virus. May his soul find eternal wereT sometime back. But the fact risk of infection at the workplace rest till we meet again. that Ghana has been spared the and our homes despite reported ravaging effect and seem to be cases within the Authority. Let us continue to observe all the escaping the worst levels of the preventive protocols that have disease as some countries are Though we are anticipating that brought us this far, by washing our experiencing, should not make us normal life would resume by next hands often with soap under complacent. year, the evidence of global cases running water, or using an recorded so far suggests this is very alcohol-based hand rub. Let us There could be multiple reasons for unlikely. The pandemic may linger maintain a safe distance from the relative success the country has on for a while and we all need to anyone who is coughing or chalked in the fight against the virus play a role to keep it under control. sneezing, wear a mask when like efforts made at containment physical distancing is not including public education, use of The VRA NEWS wishes to advise possible. Don't touch your eyes, face masks, routine good hygiene, that in spite of our successes and nose or mouth, stay home if you lockdowns, quarantines, gathering gains made to contain the spread of feel unwell. If you have a fever, controls and the God factor. the virus, we are not out of the cough and difficulty breathing, woods yet. We need to err on the seek medical attention. Above all, Given the infectious nature of the side of caution and not give up let us be more humane and virus, there is the need for a easily on the fight against this consider the welfare of our determined effort to limit the rate of invisible enemy. organization, staff, family, friends transmission and the risk of and stakeholders. With resurgence of a second wave until its The VRA NEWS wishes to express coordinated effort, we will win over. its deepest condolence and this battle.

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE CHARGES MEDIA TO PROMOTE PEACEFUL ELECTIONS Michael Danso, CCS/CSD, Accra

h e C h i e f Executive of the Vo l t a R i v e r A u t h o r i t y ( V R A ) , M r . E m m a n u e l Antwi-DarkwaT has implored the media to be ambassadors of peace in the December 7 general elections by reporting issues that will stimulate a nonviolent poll.

“I wish to urge you to report issues that will engender peace and stability before, during and after the elections”, he beseeched the media. Mr. Antwi-Darkwa gave the advice in a goodwill message read for him by the Deputy Chief Executive, Finance, Dr. Mr. Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, Chief Executive, VRA Ebenezer Tagoe at the 25th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards held in Accra pandemic, you have lived up to recently. expectation by maintaining high "Through the unflinching support of professional standards through the our faithful sponsors, notably the This year's event, which was provision of adequate information in Volta River Authority (VRA), the organized on the theme: an accurate, fair, factual and timely United States Embassy, Inn-olink “COVID-19 and Credible manner, without laying back in your and ADB Bank, we are able to Presidential and Parliamentary drive to support national development. organise the awards ceremony, albeit Elections: The Media Factor”, It is therefore apt to honour you, our under strict COVID-19 safety awarded 64 media personnel gallant journalists who excelled in the protocols.” who excelled in the fields of various areas of the profession in journalism in 2019. 2019.” He said 2020 had been a test of character for the Ghanaian media, Touching on the theme, the He reiterated VRA's commitment to which had to discharge their godly, Chief Executive said the theme continue partnering with the GJA and constitutional and moral was appropriate and well supporting it to uphold the tenets, responsibilities towards the people in thought out, “given that, ethics, values and standards of the the midst of a pandemic, coupled COVID-19 and the country's journalism profession to shape the with the daunting task of covering the elections are critical national course of national development. upcoming general elections that issues that confront our country promised to be very keen by all Ghana this year.” President of the GJA, Mr. Roland indications. Affail Monney, acknowledged VRA He was pleased that, “in spite of for supporting the Association as a title the disturbing threat of the sponsor of the awards over the past two years.

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ACHIEVING SDGs: COMPANIES NEED MORE AMBITIOUS TARGETS Lawrence Quartey (CSR-E&SDD)

he United Nations Global The report said less than a third of Compact latest report participants considered their industry looking back on 20 years to be moving fast enough to deliver of corporate sustainability priority SDGs. While 84 per cent of p r o g r e s s , h a s u rg e d companies participating in the Global companiesT to set more ambitious less than a third of Compact said they were taking action targets to achieve the Sustainable on SDGs, only 46 per cent said they Development Goals (SDGs). participants were embedding the SDGs into their core business. Again only 37 per cent Only 39 per cent of companies considered their indicated they were designing surveyed believed they had targets that business models that contributed to are sufficiently ambitious to meet the industry to be the SDGs. SDGs by the 2030 deadline, the report copied to the Corporate Social moving fast enough Areas, where progress is even, Responsibility Section of the Volta include Goal 8: Decent Work and River Authority (VRA) revealed. to deliver priority Economic Growth, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Goal The VRA is among private and public SDGs 12: Responsible Consumption and companies that are members of the Production, Goal 13: Climate Action, Ghana Network of the UN Global and Goal 3: Good Health and Well- Compact. The Network coordinates being. Meanwhile, less traction has efforts of companies to implement the been made in advancing the socially- principles of human rights, The report coincided with the 20th focused SDGs such as reduced environment, and anti-corruption. The anniversary Leaders' Summit of the inequalities, gender equality, peace, VRA, which joined in 2003, is a UN Global Compact carried out in justice and strong institutions, the Steering Committee member of the partnership with DNV GL, an report said. Ghana Network. independent third-party provider of sustainability, assurance and risk It said 61 percent of companies Commenting on the findings, Lise management services to industries in provide products and services that Kingo, former CEO of the UN Global energy, shipping, automotive & contribute to the SDGs (up from 48 Compact, said, with less than 4,000 aerospace, food & beverage and per cent in 2019). days remaining until the 2030 target, healthcare. the change we need to see in the Decade Nearly 60 (57%) percent of of Action will not happen through Titled: “UN Global Compact 20th- companies measure the impact of incremental improvements and Anniversary Progress Report: Uniting their operations relating to the SDGs, adjustments to 'business-as-usual.' Business in the Decade of Action”, the but very few extend this to suppliers report used data from its annual survey (13 percent), raw materials (10 According to him, “companies need to of participants supported by interviews percent) and into product use (10 step up and transform their business with participants from around the percent). models to turn policy commitments world. into action that can lead to actual In addition, only 29 per cent of performance improvements. Now is the It reviewed the progress made in companies publicly advocate the time for CEOs to speak up and ensure embedding the Compact's ten importance of action about the SDGs all companies fully integrate the Ten principles into businesses' operations (down from 53 per cent in 2019). Principles and raise their SDG and how they had contributed to the ambition to meet the needs of society achievement of the 17 UN Sustainable and the planet.” Development Goals (SDGs).

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VRA FUMIGATES ITS RESETTLEMENT COMMUNITIES IN THE EASTERN REGION

Mr. Kwasi Kwarteng, Director of Moderpest briefing the media, said his outfit was contracted by VRA to fumigate and disinfect all facilities within its resettlement communities in four districts within the Eastern Region.

He indicated that they used chlorine for disinfection to deactivate any microorganism and fumigated the area to control pests and insects at the same time.

He urged the communities to continue to observe the coronavirus Sprayers getting ready to fumigate the facilities prevention protocols to stay safe from contracting the virus. he Volta River Authority (VRA) Dominase, Onuku, Dedeso, Ampaamu in collaboration with Moderpest and Kwahu-Amanfrom in the Mr Rudolph Tetteh, Assembly Ghana, has fumigated its Fanteakwa and Kwahu West Districts. Member for Dedeso, thanked VRA T for the exercise and appealed for resettlement communities along the Volta lake in the Eastern Region as part Facilities such as schools, clinics, Personal Protective Equipment of measures to contain the spread of police posts, staff bungalows and other (PPE) for the Community Clinic. COVID-19. The communities include: public places were also fumigated.

ABOADZE IN FOCUS

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

VRA NEWS ►

INDIA PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR VRA's RENEWABLE ENERGY BID

Nathaniel Ekue Mensah, Community Relations/CSR/E&SDD, Aboadze

share knowledge on how we have been able to build a successful nuclear power sector” he said.

Receiving the delegation at the TTPS, the Director, Thermal Generations, Ing. Edward Obeng-Kenzo said the VRA is strategizing to remain relevant in the power market after close to 60 years of providing leadership within the power sector in the country. “As we speak, Management has rolled out a strategic plan which we are implementing to ensure we achieve a turnaround for the Authority that would positively improve our operational efficiency and make us financially sustainable”, he indicated. The India High Commissioner making a presentation to the Director, Thermal Generations at the end of his tour of the TTPS Ing. Obeng-Kenzo also said that the Authority was not relenting on its His Excellency (H.E), Sugandh India has a lot of expertise in and is efforts to augment its operational Rajaram, the India High Commissioner willing to exchange knowledge with implementation with up-to-date to Ghana, has assured the Volta River the VRA through the government of technology within the industry, Authority (VRA) of his country's Ghana. hence, cooperating with India commitment to offer technical support through the government of Ghana and expertise to its Renewable Energy “Due to Indian's large population, would be timely in helping agenda. there is a huge demand for power Management achieve the “New hence the investment in that sector to VRA” agenda. As at February this year, India's meet the increasing demand so we can installed generation capacity of power stood at about 368.98 GW with Renewable Energy contributing 23.39%, which positioned the country as the 5TH best country with overall global installed renewable energy capacity.

The High Commissioner gave the assurance when he toured the Takoradi Thermal Power Station (TTPS), Aboadze, as part of his first official visit to the Western Region since his appointment as High Commissioner to Ghana in December 2019.

He said India and Ghana shared similar interests in the area of renewable The India High Commissioner in a meeting with the Director, Thermal Generations energy, especially nuclear power which and his team at the TTPS conference room at Aboadze

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operations in the areas of power generation, quality education and ENGINEERING & OPERATIONS SUB-C'TTEE health care delivery. ”

When completed, the eight-unit INSPECT PROJECTS IN ABOADZE classroom block would have ancillary Nathaniel Ekue Mensah, Community Relations/CSR, Aboadze facilities such as: library, science laboratory, offices, washrooms and stores, whereas the hospital facility would be made up of a theatre, ophthalmology unit, dental, delivery, pharmacy, laboratory, Administration section, Doctors rest room, OPD/Reception and Three waiting areas.

In a somewhat related event, the Sub- Committee used the opportunity to visit some staff in the Aboadze work area who had recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Badimsugru said the visit was an opportunity to evaluate how staff were adhering to the implementation Ing. Emmanuel Dankwa Osafo explaining a point to the delegation of measures put in place by Management to ensure staff safety.

The Director, Thermal Generations , h e E n g i n e e r i n g a n d Mr. Edward Obeng-Kenzo who Operations Sub- briefed and conducted the members of Committee of the Volta the sub-committee round the various River Authority (VRA) project sites was grateful to the Board of Directors has THE PROJECT WOULD members for their continuous support expressedT satisfaction about the to the “New VRA” agenda. progress of work on on-going infrastructural projects in the Aboadze HELP IMPROVE THE He said for the Thermal Generations Operational Area. to effectively play it part in ensuring AUTHORITY'S that Management achieve its aim of The five-member Sub-Committee led operational efficiency and financial by its Chairman, Chief Musa OPERATIONS IN THE sustainability, the support and Badimsugru Adam was impressed with cooperation of the VRA Board could the steady progress of work being done AREAS OF POWER not be over emphasized. “As I have on the eight-unit classroom block for maintained, we would keep counting the VRA Schools and the 18-bed GENERATION... on the Board especially the Board capacity VRA Hospital annex in Sub-Committee to discharge our duty Aboadze. reliably and more profitably,” he added. Speaking to the VRA NEWS after the He said, when completed the projects inspection, Chief Musa Badimsugru would help the Authority improve on The Board Sub-Committee Chair was Adam said, “the Board Sub-Committee its operational efficiency while accompanied by other members is happy to have come to the area to contributing to Management's vision which included; Ing. Emmanuel confirm and ascertain for ourselves of making the Authority a model of Dankwa Osafo, Deputy Chief progress of on-going works we have excellence for power utilities in Africa. Executive (DCE), Engineering and been receiving reports on at board Operations; Dr. Ebenezer Tagoe, meetings.” He mentioned that, “the project would DCE, Finance, Mr. Richard Obeng help improve the Authority's Okrah and Nana Kobina Nketia V, both Board Members.

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TTPS SUPERVISING FIREMAN RETIRES FROM VRA AFTER TWENTY-TWO YEARS Nathaniel Ekue Mensah, CSR & Community Relations/Aboadze

He recounted one occasion where Mr. Cudjoe firmly intervened in ensuring that new staff at the fire service were integrated into the section amidst some protest and disagreement from colleagues. “I have had a very good working relationship with him. He is such a valuable asset to the TTPS and would be missed deeply”, he stressed. With a background in Auto Mechanics, Mr. Cudjoe was part of a team responsible for repairing the Authority's fire tender pumps at the TTPS. He recounted fondly a fire outbreak in the accessory compartment of Combustion Gas Turbine '1' at the Station in 2008. He said through his ingenuity, the team hurriedly repaired a broken-down fire tender that was timely used in combating the fire which saved the Authority some cost.

That, according to him, endeared him to the then Chief Executive, Ing. Owura Kwaku Sarfo who signed a letter of commendation addressed to him for his exemplary high sense of commitment and dedication to his duty. Mr. Stephen Kofi Cudjoe Exuding a sign of satisfaction and gratitude, Mr. Cudjoe recounted how r. S t e p h e n K o fi National Fire Service where he served Management took exceptional care of C u d j o e , t h e for eight years. With a dint of hard him when he had a spinal injury Supervising Fireman work, dedication and commitment he whilst working on the INRES of a t t h e Ta k o r a d i rose through the corporate ranks to Generator Turbine '1' and had to be T h e r m a l P o w e r become a Supervising Fireman, a admitted at the Korle-Bu Teaching StationM (TTPS) has retired from active position he held until his retirement. Hospital. service having served the Volta River Authority (VRA) for 22 years. The Human Resource Manager of He advised staff to concentrate on TTPS, Mr. Thomas Ameyaw described their jobs and give of their best to Mr. Cudjoe, who retired in October this Mr. Cudjoe as an asset whose expertise sustain the growth of the Authority. year, was engaged by VRA as a Fireman on the job and training of new on March 2, 1998 from the Ghana employees were unwavering.

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ALL WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 Dr. Emmanuel Sowah, VSHL, Accra

nowledge about the there were difficulties maintaining the that generate aerosols (“aerosol SARS Cov-2 virus recommended distance of at least two generating procedures”). WHO, says keeps accumulating as metres. SARS-CoV-2 may spread through more research is being aerosols in the absence of aerosol d o n e o n h o w i t Sharing facilities (e.g. canteen and generating procedures, particularly in behaves. Below are a dressing rooms), transport and indoor settings with poor ventilation. fewK of the important pieces of accommodation. information that we need to know about 1) a number of respiratory droplets the virus. Close/direct contact with COVID-19 generate microscopic aerosols (<5 cases in healthcare settings µm) by evaporating, and; ROLE OF ASYMPTOMATIC AND PRE-SYMPTOMATIC Insufficient or incorrect use of 2) normal breathing, talking and INDIVIDUALS Protective Personal Equipment (PPE). singing results in exhaled aerosols. An asymptomatic person is someone Talking, and especially singing and who is carrying the virus without Exposure to multiple clients as occurs shouting increase aerosol exhalation showing symptoms. Pre-symptomatic among transport workers (taxi and bus by factors of 10 and 50, respectively. cases are those who are yet to show drivers), salespeople, postal/package Thus, a susceptible person could symptoms but ultimately do get delivery workers and domestic inhale aerosols, and could become symptoms. Similar viral loads exist in cleaners. infected if the aerosols contain the asymptomatic and symptomatic cases virus in sufficient quantity to cause meaning asymptomatic cases can also 'Presenteeism' (i.e. reporting to work infection within the recipient. transmit the virus. despite being symptomatic for a disease): Fear of losing their job or Airborne transmission is more likely Pre-symptomatic transmission (i.e. inability to reduce their working hours in enclosed spaces especially when when the infector develops symptoms in order to stay home may lead to there is no use of face masks. after transmitting the virus to another continued commuting and working. person) has been reported. IMMUNITY TO COVID- 19 Physical distancing of at least one B cells produce antibodies, small TRANSMISSION RISK metre, use of face masks and eye proteins that recognise certain pieces Several outbreak investigation reports protection are associated with a much of a pathogen. If enough antibodies have shown that COVID-19 lower risk of transmission. bind to a virus, it can't enter the body's transmission can be particularly cells to make you sick. effective in crowded and confined AIRBORNE TRANSMISSION spaces. Airborne transmission is defined as the T cells on the other hand recognise spread of an infectious agent caused by virus-infected cells and tell the cells to Occupational settings: This is common the dissemination of droplet nuclei self-destruct, stopping them from due to the following factors: (aerosols) that remain infectious when spreading to other healthy cells. suspended in air over long distances and Since COVID-19 has some similarity Working in confined indoor spaces and time. to common cold viruses, preexisting participating in meetings and sharing Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 immunity to common cold the same office space especially when can occur during medical procedures coronaviruses in the form of Do your Part # Be Informed | Be Prepared | Be Smart | Be Safe

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→ Contd. from pg.11 antibodies and T cells of the immune If the patient has severe to critical illness products (e.g., hypochlorite) at 0.1% system that recognise a region of the or is severely immunocompromised: (1000 ppm) for general environmental virus common to both cold disinfection or 0.5% (5000 ppm) for coronaviruses (HCoVs) and SARS- At least 10 days and up to 20 days have blood and body fluids large spills; or CoV- 2may keep some people passed since symptoms first appeared hydrogen peroxide >0.5%. The asymptomatic despite being infected. and minimal time recommended of This is common among children and exposition to the surface for these adolescents. At least 24 hours have passed since last disinfectants is one minute or fever without the use of fever-reducing according to the manufacturer Antibodies formed in response to Covid medications and instructions. infection is relatively stable for at least three months but declines. Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of In indoor spaces, routine application breath) have improved of disinfectants to environmental However, this does not necessarily mean surfaces via spraying or fogging (also loss of immunity. T cells have a role in Consider consultation with infection known as fumigation or misting) is not maintaining long-term immunity to the control experts effective and may pose harm to virus, regardless of antibody levels. This individuals. can be deduced from the fact that N o t e : F o r s e v e r e l y patients who recovered from SARS in immunocompromised1 patients who If disinfectants are to be applied, 2003 still possess long-lasting memory T were asymptomatic throughout their manual surface cleaning with cells against the virus. infection, Transmission-Based detergent and water using applied Precautions may be discontinued when friction (e.g. brushing, scrubbing) CRITERIA FOR DISCHARGE at least 10 days and up to 20 days have must be performed first to ensure FROM A HEALTHCARE passed since the date of their first physical removal of organic materials, FACILITY. positive viral diagnostic test. followed by use of a cloth or wipe A test-based strategy is no longer which is soaked in the disinfectant. recommended (except as noted below) CLEANING AND DISINFECTION because, in the majority of cases, it OF ENVIRONMENTAL Spraying or fumigation of outdoor results in prolonged isolation of patients SURFACES spaces (such as streets, sidewalks, who continue to shed detectable SARS- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome walkways or marketplaces), is not CoV-2 RNA but are no longer infectious. Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is recommended to remove or inactivate susceptible to disinfectants. SARS-CoV-2 or other pathogens as Symptom-Based Strategy for they are not considered as routes of Discontinuing Transmission-Based In healthcare settings, environmental infection for COVID-19. Moreover, Precautions. surfaces as well as the surfaces of non- disinfectants are inactivated by dirt critical medical equipment (equipment and debris, and it is not feasible to If the patient has mild to moderate illness that only comes into contact with intact manually clean and remove all organic and not severely immunocompromised: skin, such as blood pressure cuffs, matter from such spaces. Even in the wheelchairs, incubators) should be absence of organic matter, chemical At least 10 days have passed since frequently cleaned with water and spraying is unlikely to adequately symptoms first appeared and detergent and followed by application cover all surfaces for the duration of of a disinfectant. the required contact time to inactivate At least 24 hours have passed since last pathogens. fever without the use of fever-reducing In non-healthcare settings disinfectants medications and should be applied to high touch surfaces Spraying individuals with to reduce potential SARS-CoV-2 disinfectants (such as in a tunnel, Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of contamination in community settings cabinet, or chamber) is not breath) have improved where the risk of contamination is recommended under any unknown (e.g. gyms, offices, circumstances. This practice could be If the patient is not severely restaurants, accommodation sector) as physically and psychologically immunocompromised1 and was well as in households and nontraditional harmful and would not reduce an asymptomatic throughout their facilities where individuals with infected person's ability to spread the infection, transmission-based suspected or confirmed COVID-19 virus through droplets or contact. The precautions may be discontinued when disease are accommodated. toxic effect of spraying with chemicals at least 10 days have passed since the such as chlorine on individuals can date of their first positive viral diagnostic Among the most common disinfectants lead to eye and skin irritation, test. used which have been demonstrated to bronchospasm due to inhalation, and be effective against SARS-CoV-2 are: potentially gastrointestinal effects ethanol 70-90%; chlorine-based such as nausea and vomiting.

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

Nana Antwi Barimah, Board Chairman of the VRA Trust Fund in a VRA TRUST FUND speech stated that the two communities are fortunate to have GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITIES more development projects from the trust fund because, the districts have more resettlement communities.

The Board Chairman tasked the settlers to own the facilities and advised Ghana Education Service to take good care of them to benefit the next generations.

The Deputy Minister, Mr. Owireku Aidoo, said the construction of the facility for teachers should serve as a motivation for them to work hard to bring the best out of the students in the bid to provide better education

According to him, the VRA Resettlement Trust Fund is aimed at Mr. Owureku Aidoo, (middle) assisting traditional leaders to commission the classroom block supporting and improving the lives of people in the communities.

olta River Authority The projects; a six-unit Teachers The Executive Director of the VRA (VRA) Resettlement Quarters and a two-unit Kindergarten Trust Fund, Richard Twum Barimah T r u s t F u n d h a s block were handed over to the Koranteng also pleaded with the handed over two residents of New Somanya in the Yilo teachers in the community to take educational facilities Krobo Municipality and Adjena in the good care of the facilities. to two communities Asuogyaman District respectively. atV separate ceremonies in the Eastern Region.

He added that, as part of its Corporate TSORXOR SCHOOL BENEFITs Social Responsibility, the VRA Trust Fund continue to support the development of the Resettlement FROM VRA TRUST FUND E-LIBRARY communities especially in areas of education infrastructure, provision of water among others.

he Volta River Authority Re- Handing over the facility to the District Mr. Raymond Kogbe, the headmaster of settlement Trust Fund has Assembly a Senior Technical Officer of the the school, said the facility had come at handed over an Ultra-modern Trust Fund, Anthony Agblevor implored an opportunity time. E-library facility to the Management of the school to make good Tsorxor Basic School in the use of the facility. He noted that the teaching and learning of NorthT Dayi District of the Volta region. ICT have been very difficult in the past He said, “This is the first ever E-library we since pupils had no access to computer. The facility, which has been furnished with are building in any of the 52 resettlement “Teachers have had to employ 30 computer installation is the first ever to communities. We believe it will aid the improvised means in ensuring that pupils have been built by the Trust Fund in any of teaching and learning of ICT in the school, understand whatever is being taught.” the 52 resettlement communities along the but it is also our hope that Management of Volta Lake. the school takes good care of the facility including the computers.”

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‘WE HAVE MADE MODEST GAINS DESPITE COVID-19' Michael Danso, CCS/CSD, Accra

mid-year review of see their financial fortunes improve t h e fi n a n c i a l overtime.” performance of the Volta River Authority LET'S BE PRODUCTIVE (VRA) has shown a According to Mr. Ofori, the effect of significant boost in its the COVID-19 on VRA's business FinancialA Recovery Plan (FRP), operations has been well managed. notwithstanding the lurking scare of the “So far, we have managed well, and COVID-19 pandemic. we hope this continues.”

The FRP is a three-year strategic plan He said virtual approach to handling implemented by Management of VRA tasks and activities has become the in 2017 to stem the fiscal challenges 'New Normal' and proposed that the that affected operations and new paradigm shift in work approach, administrative expenses of the called for a careful contextualization Authority from 2012. to fit in the work-culture of the Authority. Shedding more light on the improvement made on the FRP, He made it known that “as a new Manager, Corporate Performance Mr. Stephen Ofori concept, we are exploring the pros & Monitoring & Evaluation, Mr. Stephen cons in partially or fully instituting Kwadwo Ofori told the VRA NEWS, increase in revenue and a reduction in the remote working-approach in the collective effort of hard work and administrative expenses. VRA, while weighing the working commitment by staff continue to be the culture, processes, and our driving force behind the success of the OPERATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY deliverables.” FRP. Touching on the possible recovery pathways for operational success, Mr. He added that, the issue of He indicated that, “our FRP program Ofori said “our 'BRAISE' Strategy supervision and knowing what staff will continue in this last year of remains a five-year program, (2017- do daily, is key to productivity and implementation. We have chalked 2021), towards building a Resilient, stressed that, “We need to ensure we success in measuring efficiencies of our Sustaining, Agile and Growing VRA. are all productive and not idling when thermal operations, in reducing A Sustainability Plan has been crafted away from the physical office administrative expense and having an to ensure the gains made in our FRP locations. All supervisors have a overall improved financial efforts, are sustained in the bigger major role to play in ensuring their performance. As at Half-year, our picture of this strategy”. staff are fully engaged while working Financial Statement indicates some virtually.” modest gains despite the pandemic.” “We are focused on achieving the required competitive advantage in the Mr. Ofori mentioned that, irrespective He said some of VRA's key projects power market and the markets of our of the dire effect of the pandemic, have been impacted by the pandemic non-power portfolios. This means conditions of service, job security and with the declaration of force majeure by improving our plant efficiencies and emoluments of staff remain intact. the contractors. “This will lead to lowering our unit cost of generation”, “Our jobs for now are secured. slippage in key milestones on these he added. However, some of our activities have projects. However, as the pandemic been gravely affected, e.g. activities eases, we will gradually ramp up the In this regard, he said, dualizing VRA's of the Hotel and associated tourists activities to see if we can make up for single-cycle plants and making them and conferences etc. Since our core- lost time.” ready for the market is one driver the business remains power generation, Authority is considering. “Our plans to we continue to be relevant to While commending staff, he stressed seek strategic partners in jointly economic and national agenda.” the need to continue to work hard to running and managing our ensure the policy provides relief for subsidiaries, is on course. Once He advised that “we however should positive turnaround that will lead to operationalized, our expectation is to not be complacent, rather, ensure we

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are delivering on our mandate in all He explained that Management is targets but performed better at the areas of our operations including our aware that in delivering the Authority's end of the year.” subsidiaries.” mandate as an entity of state, plans and operations are envisaged to be While the institution puts in CONTINGENCY PLANS underpinned by key planning measures to ensure we are safe in the When asked if VRA was prepared for assumptions that considers the work environment, we must take the COVID-19 pandemic, he answered financial, economic and operational personal responsibilities as we that “our plans and budgets, always variables likely to be impacted. interact beyond the work make room for emergencies that may environment. Let us obey all the laid call for commitments of resources to SAFETY PROTOCOLS down protocols by wearing our meet any emerging issues such as the He urged staff to keep up the masks, washing and sanitizing our COVID-19 pandemic.” momentum and work with diligence hands and practicing social “to ensure that we do not just meet our distancing.

education.

In a related development, Miss Nancy VRA CDP SCHOLARSHIP Adwoa Pokuaa, a recipient of the award from Asutsuare Estate D/A Basic PRODUCES ITS FIRST MEDICAL DOCTOR School, and a product of the Ghana Barbara Obiribea Akyea, CSR Section, E&SD, Kpone National College has also made the Authority proud.

graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine Miss Pokuaa who pursued a Bachelor of and Bachelor of Surgery degree from the Science degree in Nursing at the University of Ghana Medical School this University of Cape Coast (UCC), was year. the first Nursing student in the history of the University to receive the prestigious Sharing his pride with the Authority, Dr. Erasmus International (Erasmus+) Amegashie recounted in a citation of Scholarship to the University of appreciation that “the timely intervention Limerick, Ireland for a six – month of the Volta River Authority through its period. CDP Tertiary Scholarship award rekindled and sustained my dream of Miss Pokuaa also received the Dean's becoming a Medical Doctor which had Award for the Best Graduating Female been dimmed due to financial difficulties. Nursing student at the end of her four – Today, I am glad to say my dreams have year programme before completing come through by the grace of God and the school last year. continued support of the VRA. I am forever grateful for your support; may The CDP Scholarship scheme is a you continue to add value to lives,” the continuation of the Golden Jubilee citation read. Scholarship awards; which was awarded to 50 brilliant but needy Dr. Amegashie was a beneficiary selected students from our impacted Dr. Amegashie among qualified students from the Woe communities at the Senior High School L/A Junior High School in the Anlo to commemorate the Authority's 50th Anniversary celebration. beneficiary of the Volta River Traditional Area in the Volta region. He Authority (VRA) Community later attended Keta Senior High School Currently, 329 students have been Development Programme (CDP) and then proceeded to the University of A Ghana to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine sponsored in the Akosombo/Akuse, educational scholarship, has emerged as Kpone and Aboadze areas; 234 at the the first successful medical doctor from and Bachelor of Surgery degree. Senior High School and 95 at the the scheme. He pledged to support the development Tertiary level since its inception in 2011. Dr. Theodore Amegashie, who benefitted of his community and the nation as a under the Tertiary component of the whole by putting to good use the scheme in the 2013/2014 academic year, investment VRA has committed into his

[email protected] / www.vra.com | 15 VRA NEWS ► → Contd. from pg.15

efficiency and productivity, adding that, “You are members of a unit, and if a member falls, the unit crumbles, PWALUGU STAFF UNDERGO so depend on each other. Make the most of this very rare opportunity to work with VRA.”

Dr. Mrs. Irene Stella Agyenim- Boateng, Director, Human Orientation Resources, implored the staff to Linda Appiah, Community Relations Unit (CRU)/E&SDD imbibe the VRA values and work culture towards the achievement of the “NEW VRA.” She added that VRA was ready to enhance the competency of staff to contribute effectively to the overall success of the Authority.

Various departments in the Authority made presentations on their mandate and how it feeds into VRA's Corporate Strategy, “BRAISE”. The BRAISE defines VRA's commitment to refocusing itself to be able to improve its performance by leveraging on its internal capabilities and experiences, to take advantage of the varied opportunities in the power sector and strengthen the VRA brand. Dr. Mrs. Stella Agyenim-Boateng addressing Participants Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, day 1 & 2 of the training programme were he VRA Academy in staff of the PMDP with requisite and organized online through Microsoft collaboration with the relevant information and skill for the Teams whereas day 3 of the Engineering & Operations tasks ahead. orientation was held at VRA Branch and the Human Academy, with all COVID-19 safety Resources Department He urged the new recruits to commit to protocols observed. Participants haveT organized a three-day Orientation teamwork and be guided by the were presented with certificates of Session for newly engaged staff of the corporate Core Values to ensure merits. Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam Project (PMDP).

The training was aimed at equipping the newly recruited employees with adequate corporate information, policies and procedures, mandate, activities, and the challenges of the various departments as well as rights and responsibilities of employees.

Addressing participants, Ing. Emmanuel Dankwa Osafo, Deputy Chief Executive, Engineering and Operations (E&O), expressed delight about the organisation of the orientation, which according to him was to prepare the newly employed The course participants and facilitators in a group photograph

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0543811577

[email protected] / www.vra.com | 17 VRA NEWS ►

CHIEF OF DEFENSE STAFF VISITS AKOSOMBO GENERATION STATION

Benjamin Quarshie, CRU/E&SSD, Akosombo

Lt. General Obed Akwa (arrowed) and his entourage in the group photograph

he Chief of Defense Staff and transmit power from the (CSD), Lieutenant General switchyard to various parts of the TObed Boamah Akwa and a country. group of retired army officers have visited the Akosombo Generation Responding to questions on power Station to familiarize themselves with LOAD SHEDDING IS outages and the effects of the Bagre hydro power generation. Dam spillage, Ing. Anyomi explained OUTDATED SINCE THERE that, “load shedding is outdated since The CDS and his entourage were met there are more power supply sources on arrival by Ing. Dennis S. Anyomi, a ARE MORE POWER like the thermal and solar plants Senior Mechanical Engineer and Mr. which do not rely on rainfall Benjamin Quarshie, Community SUPPLY SOURCES LIKE patterns.” He said the seasonal Relations Officer. spillage of excess water from the THE THERMAL AND Bagre Dam reservoir has a positive During a tour of the plant, Ing. Anyomi effect on the Akosombo reservoir. used the miniature model of the turbine SOLAR PLANTS runner and the governor system to explain to the visitors how The CDS expressed gratitude to hydroelectric power is generated. Management and Staff of VRA for the head, the more electricity a working hard to ensure stable and He explained that the process of the hydropower plant can produce.” reliable power supply in the country. hydropower generation involves the “We are very impressed with the good flow of water through penstocks He said, the Akosombo plant has a work being done here to improve the (pipes), which pushes against and turns dependable installed capacity of 1,020 socioeconomic development of blades in a turbine to spin a generator to Megawatts which makes it the largest Ghana. I want to encourage you to produce electricity. “In general, the hydrogeneration facility in the country continue with the hard work.” greater the water flow and the higher and explained how GRIDCo evacuate

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LET'S BE FOCUSED AT WORK DESPITE COVID-19 Cynthia Ann Aglah (Mrs.) Corporate Strategy Dept.

t is very challenging and One other factor that will put our minds work is cumbersome, difficult and becoming increasingly difficult to rest to enable us stay focus is by time consuming, you will always find to stay focused on your task at observing the COVID-19 protocols. yourself not being able to accomplish work in this prevailing pandemic When we wear our nose mask, face anything. You will rather find and the fact that the work shield, wash our hands under running yourself brooding rather than environmentI interruptions are water for 20seconds, use alcohol- working. inevitable. based sanitizer frequently and practice social distancing, we feel protected Task should be placed according to The mind is already saturated with making our minds to be at peace. We priority. All the task should not be put questions like “so if I get the virus, what tend to focus well. together at a goal. There is the need to happens to me? will I survive? what prioritize them as to which one needs happens to my family,” and so on. Staying focus is staying organised. urgent attention and needs to be One needs to organise him or herself in handled first. Though there are various questions on order to stay focus. All unnecessary one's mind on the virus, the work gadgets and anything that will serve as Do not tolerate negative people. environment has its own distractions distraction should be put away. Being There are people who always want to too - telephone calls, unplanned organised goes a long way to help one discourage and make you feel you meetings, social media, colleagues to stay focused. cannot make it. Their words are walking into your office without prior always discouraging and if they are notice, bosses assigning other duties Get enough sleep. Not getting around you, you cannot do anything and moving out of office to respond to adequate sleep can affect the body's productive. Do not tolerate such emergencies. metabolism and the immune system people. and makes you lose focus. It can affect Irrespective of all these challenges, an your ability to maintain a good Personal phones should always be on employee is expected to focus on the balance, concentration and ability to silent mode when you want to keep task assigned to him/her. think. When your immune system is focus. Phones cause distractions that down it attracts various diseases can be ignored. For you to focus and This calls for an individual to make a including coronavirus. It is important be able to have absolute decision, to purpose and be determine to at least get a 7-hour rest. This will go concentration the phone should be on that nothing will make him lose focus. a long way to start the day on a good silent within the period of These few factors examined below will note and improve your focus. engagement and attend to it later. enable us to stay focus on our tasks. It is important to employ time It is possible for an individual to stay First of all, as employees we need to management strategies by breaking up focus on any given assignment psyche up for the task. We have to free our workload and allot time to every especially in this coronavirus era if our minds of anything that will be a activity that will be undertaken, it is only there is the willingness, hindrance and have an achieving mind. easier and time saving. It helps us to determination and heart to go all out I admit that it is not going to be easy in concentrate on one thing at a time. even in great challenges. these “abnormal times” but as we continue to have our minds set on that Have a positive mindset about the task, we can achieve it. work. If you have a mindset that the

[email protected] / www.vra.com | 19 VRA NEWS ► COACHING IN THE WORKPLACE Nana Kwame Tano, PMPD/Accra

feedback between the employee and the coach, the coach should have a firm belief in the value of the employee. The coach must begin with the mindset that the employee is worth the coaching effort and the coach needs to adjust the method of coaching according to the employee's learning style; visual, read/write, and auditory. The coaching process needs to be communicated well to the employee in order for the process to be effective.

Coaching in the workplace typically focuses on an improvement in individual performance against key performance indicators or job oaching is a key tool for managers to master as most managers expectations but can also focus on ensuring your teammates are used to directing work rather than career development and employee are fully matured. It can be achieving it through employee growth. It helps employees build new a development process development. skills faster, facilitates sense of pride which enables individual and confidence in the workplace and meetC on regular basis to clarify goals, fosters trust. With coaching in the deal with potential stumbling blocks, workplace, performances and and improve their performance. In productivity might increase because other words, you can help people employees would be given the become better versions of themselves opportunity to grow and achieve by holding space for them to solve through consistent feedback. With problems and accomplish goals. assistance of a coach set goals for the employee can be achieved at the end Workplace coaching means of day as well as the organizational empowering employees to be the best goal. performers that they can be and setting them up for success in the workplace by Finally, give it time to become providing the tools that they can use to embedded within the company and to increase their knowledge, improve see results. Time is tight for everyone their skills, and cultivate their and some people will naturally resist. However, as coaching processes and willingness to do the job. Coaching is a Before coaching in the workplace goals become more consistent and continuous two-way feedback between begins, the Coach should be mindful of more highly valued, in-house the employee and the coach with the the environment, the coaching coaching will take root and leaders intention to work on areas for environment ideally should be will have a new way to develop and improvement and reinforce strengths to conducive to learning and motivate their direct reports. stand the progress of the employee's communication. It needs to be a safe performance. In the workplace, space for open, honest, two-way coaching can be a difficult skill for

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underestimated. From the child who needs the illumination from the street bulb to finish an assignment to the community stories and folklores told Shining Coffers, into the depth of the night , the table top of the local kenkey or orange seller is at the mercy of a burnt out bulb or a damaged pole. However, as DARKENED HIGHWAYS insignificant as they may be, these micro businesses are bound to plummet when these locations lose Jemima Aniagyei CCS/CSD, Accra their suitability.

Globally, research indicates that there is a positive correlation between access and supply of power n Tuesday, August 11, According to the National Road Safety and economic development. Global 2020, a story by Commission, 60% of road traffic energy challenges have often been Rashidatu Ibrahim of injuries are caused by vehicular – categorized in three folds: ensuring the Business And pedestrian collisions. These accidents supply meets growing demand, F i n a n c i a l Ti m e s cause the state to lose some $230 maintaining the provision and access u n d e r t h e b o l d million annually. Highlighted as a of energy services to everybody and heading,O “Street lighting levy rakes in major cause of road accidents is poorly attaining climate efficient production GHS 273.9million in two years”, lit highways and roads. A tentative of energy. touted the efforts of Ghana's three measure to curbing this annual loss to main power and electricity distribution the state would have been the In our own small way, we need not companies in the collection of the 3% installation and maintenance of street wait for an aspiring or sitting levy charged to consumers by the state lights. However, associated high politician to coax his way with a for the unique purpose of the provision implementation costs have made it street light. A collective effort in and maintenance of street lights. somewhat a prohibitive venture for securing our homes and surroundings developing countries such as Ghana, with a streetlight or two will yield the Considering our sparsely lit roads and leaving road users at risk and full lighting of communities, one communities, one can only wonder communities in darkness. home at a time. how much of the collected statutory levy of 3% is channeled towards Many sub-communities in the country So, it brings to question who payment of accumulated bills rather are reeling under the vulnerabilities of supervises the change of the burnt- than the provision and the maintenance poorly lit areas. Most embassies and out bulb in the streetlight or ensure of streetlights foreign consulates in their safety the broken-down streetlight in the advisories to their citizens warn about middle of the road be replaced. As Undoubtedly, some positive strides robbery activities at night. Most homes citizens mandatorily pay levies, have been made in recent times with the in the urban and peri-urban vicinities in officials of the state need to be lighting of some major highways in the the country have been transformed to reminded of their obligations. city. One cannot avoid the exquisitely mini-fortresses with some elaborate lit interchanges such as the Circle anti-burglar installations. According to As government augments the state interchange (Dubai) and the recently the Ghana Police Service, Ghana coffers with some GH¢274 million, commissioned Tema-Accra Motorway records about some 500 deaths actions must be channeled towards interchange. Sadly, the glamour is annually due to criminal activities in the provision of reliable and efficient short-lived, because right after the the night. Poorly lit vicinities have streetlights. Well-lit streets and interchange you are plunged into been associated with heightened functioning streetlights go beyond darkness. You can only depend, security risks in the country. the provision of aesthetics but a unsurely, on headlights of moving fundamental component in the vehicles that serve as fireflies in your Whilst the inadequacies exist, the infrastructure of communities and drive through the concrete jungle of formation of childhood memories and businesses, providing safety and Accra. the development of micro trade hubs security for all. under streetlights cannot be

[email protected] / www.vra.com | 21 VRA NEWS ►

Special Feature A SECOND WAVE? WHY WE MUST BE DILIGENT IN OUR OBSERVANCE OF SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Laud Evans Ofori, PMPD, Kpone

nly a few months ago, the health of their workforce – to be forefathers. Numerous lives could be world felt an insurgence diligent in ensuring that they safeguard lost, paling in comparison to the of the novel Corona their human resource from dwindling. unfortunate pandemic-related deaths virus, and since then, not recorded so far. just world public health In VRA, steps to curtail the spread of hasO been destabilized, but every sector the virus and ensure the safety of staff As staff of this very significant and nation have borne the brunt of this in the work environment have been far Authority, we must ensure that this crippling force. It is not overstating it to advanced by the Management of the potential of a second wave risk does say, the whole world stood still. Authority. Management acknowledges not occur by being compliant with the the fact that without its “people”, the safety protocols. As at the end of September, 2020, organization's business will not only worldwide COVID-19 infections had fall apart, but its aim of becoming the Knowing that the virus' mode of escalated to over 32.7 million cases and “NEW VRA” would be nothing but a transmission is usually close 991 000 deaths had been reported to pipe dream. P E R S O N - T O - P E R S S O N WHO. In some parts of the world, CONTACT through respiratory however, infection rates have been Accordingly, Management has droplets from coughing and sneezing, decreasing with time, with recoveries encouraged remote working and is staff must continue to ensure social steadily growing in the numbers by the constantly ensuring that social and physical distancing and avoid day. In others, SARS-CoV-2 infections distancing protocols are adhered to in contact with people who are sick, are spiking, counting grave losses in the all work locations. Staff and visitors coughing and sneezing. 1000s. have been required to be regular in the use of hand sanitizers while in any We must continue to wash our hands This duality suggests that the pandemic VRA work location, and wash their frequently with soap and water for at is very much far from slowing down. It hands with soap under running water at least 20 seconds and apply alcohol- cannot be ruled out that the world might the handwashing installations based sanitizers where water and have on its hands a looming second provided at the various work locations. soap are unavailable. wave of the deadly corona virus pandemic. A second wave of a Clearly, Management is committed to Staff must remember to wear face pandemic poses a terrifying threat to protecting the health, safety and well- masks at all times and cover the human lives and precedes economic being of staff, in the wake of a potential mouth and nose with a tissue or a meltdowns. In some European surge in Coronavirus infections flexed elbow when sneezing or countries, the second wave of the worldwide. However, Management's coughing. We must continue to report COVID-19 pandemic has already work will only go so far if staff cases that express the symptoms begun to blow. Death tolls have diligence towards observing safety associated with the COVID-19 increased, with every demographic protocols is not aligned with pandemic and keep to the home when being significantly affected, and active Management's fervent interventions you feel sick to avoid contact. workforce not being spared. against the spread of COVID-19. It is our lives, our company, and our The Corona virus' significant Though Ghana has, thankfully, nation on the line, and as such, we implications on workforce and experienced fewer cases and many must be diligent in ensuring that it businesses has caused Corporations all recoveries over the past month, it is not thrives for us and survives for around the world to not only strengthen far off for the infection curve to spike posterity. their operations and strategies to again, and this second wave might remain resilient in these times, but most cripple our economy and hurl to the importantly has ensured that ground the over 60-year-old business organizations put premium on the built through the sweat and toil of our

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2020 THIRD QUARTER ATTRITION

[email protected] / www.vra.com | 23 Our Mission: OUR VALUES The Volta River Authority exists to power economies and ☼ Accountability raise the living standards of the people of Ghana and West ☼ Commitment Africa. We supply electricity and related services in a reliable, safe and environmentally friendly manner to add economic, ☼ Trust financial and social values to our customers and meet ☼ Integrity stakeholders' expectations. ☼ Teamwork

I N THE N EX T ISSUE: Please send your concerns, questions, congratulatory messages, issues, worries, suggestions, etc., to [email protected] VRA @ 60 Launched Kpong GS Retrofit Project Commissioned For further information/enquiries, contact Corporate Communications Unit, VRA Safety Awareness Day Corporate Office. Tel: +233 302 664941-9 Ext. 252, 236 & 453 PLC 724252/413/309/453. Also visit www.vra.com