Tension continues to rise in Volta River Authority (VRA) as opposition to the appointment of Ing. Edward Kenzo as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority (VRA) has intensified, with banners hoisted in Akosombo township expressing strong disapproval.
The banners bear inscriptions such as, “Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng Kenzo Must Go. President Mahama and NDC must not make that mistake.”
Meanwhile,a group calling itself the Grassroots of the NDC, alongside some VRA staff, has been vocal in its opposition to Kenzo’s appointment.
They have expressed their dissatisfaction and are urging President John Mahama to rescind the decision on his appointment.
In a statement, the group said, “We are by this medium sending our displeasure to the appointment committee and the president, H.E. John Mahama, to as a matter of urgency rescind any move to have Ing. Edward Kenzo appointed. We need a better alternative. We deserve better, and we need someone who can always be there for the grassroots and also contribute to the well-being of VRA.”
The group has leveled several allegations against Ing. Edward Kenzo, including his alleged involvement in a $52 million sole-sourcing procurement scandal in 2022, alongside the immediate past CEO, Mr. Antwi Darkwa.
Another major accusation is that Ing. Kenzo allegedly instructed the opening of the Akosombo Dam spillway gate in 2023 without prior public notice or education, leading to severe flooding and displacement of communities along the Volta Lake.
However ,failed to initiate payment of compensation for the victims.
In terms of professional contributions, Kenzo has been criticized for failing to add even 1MW of conventional power during his tenure. Instead, he focused on relocating the Ameri power units from Aboadze to Kumasi at a cost of $32 million.
They also cited cable theft scandal which occurred under the leadership of Ing. Edward Ekow Kenzo when he was Manager of Tema Therma Complex
They also raised concerns about Ing. Edward Kenzo’s leadership style and workplace behavior.
Staff at VRA have reportedly described him as a “bully” and criticized his poor decision-making capabilities.
Allegations of favoritism and unethical workplace conducts leveled against him.
The NDC caucus and VRA staff have vowed to resist any attempt to appoint Kenzo as CEO, citing his alleged incompetence, poor leadership, and questionable conduct. They argue that his appointment would be a grave mistake and undermine the integrity of the VRA.