VRA Board Chairman Jabesh Amissah-Arthur Urges Continued Power Exports to Togo and Benin Despite Domestic Shortages

The Volta River Authority (VRA) is advocating for Ghana to maintain its long-standing electricity export commitments to Togo and Benin, even as the country faces domestic power generation challenges. VRA Board Chairman Jabesh Amissah-Arthur emphasized that these regional partnerships, built over more than five decades, are rooted in a history of mutual support and cooperation. He warned against a "selfish" approach to energy distribution, noting that maintaining these ties is essential for regional stability and provides a vital revenue stream for the Authority.

Mr. Amissah-Arthur called for strategic discussions with the Ministry of Energy to find a sustainable balance between meeting local demand and fulfilling international obligations. He highlighted that these neighboring countries are reliable customers whose support has been reciprocal over the years. To ensure the VRA can continue meeting both local and regional needs, the Chairman stressed the urgent need for renewed investment in the Authority’s own generation capacity, cautioning against a growing and potentially risky over-reliance on Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

Furthermore, the Board Chairman urged the government to reassess how it evaluates the performance of state-owned enterprises like the VRA. He argued that the Authority should be assessed primarily on its mandate to provide reliable, stable, and cost-effective electricity rather than on its ability to maximize profits for dividend payments. By prioritizing infrastructure investment and operational reliability over immediate financial returns, Amissah-Arthur believes the VRA can better serve the interests of the Ghanaian public while upholding its role as a key energy provider in the West African sub-region.