Accra, Dec. 9, GNA-Energy experts from Serra Leone, led by Alhaji Kanja Sesay, their Minister of Energy, are in the country to learn how Ghana has successfully managed its energy generation, regulations, and transmission value chain.
The team, based at the Volta River Authority (VRA), are engaging management of the Authority in experience sharing and discussing areas of cooperation.
Mr Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, the Chief Executive of VRA, who welcomed the team, said the Company had become successful due to its commitment towards high standards of operation and the continued investment in human capital.
He said VRA’s annual revenue was about 700 million dollars with a base of 3.6 billion dollars, describing the Company as ‘profitable’.
Mr Antwi-Darkwa stated that with its operations in parts of the country, including Akosombo, Akuse, Tema and Northern Regions, VRA supplied about 53 per cent of the country’s power.
As at the end of the year 2020, he said the Company’s installed capacity was 2519 megawatt, made up of hydro, thermal and solar, noting that the Company was working assiduously to increase its renewable energy.
Mr Antwi-Darkwa said the Company through its academy had developed programmes, including plant management and operations, Technical Audit, Dam Safety and Management, Leadership and Corporate Strategy.
Alhaji Sesay, commended the VRA on its 60th Anniversary, especially the leadership and those who worked vigorously to keep the Company running.
He said with the strong leadership and hard work, it was not surprising the country was recording excess generation while Sierra Leone was still battling with generation.
Alhaji Sesay noted that the energy sector of Sierra Leone had benefited from the expertise of VRA officials and was ready to strengthen that partnership to enable his country become power sufficient.
The team held discussions with actors in the energy sector, including the Ministry of Energy, Energy Commission, Electricity Company of Ghana, and the Public Utility Regulatory Commission.
According to the International Trade Administration, Sierra Leone, although endowed with energy potential in various forms, including biomass from agricultural wastes, hydro, and solar power, the potential remains underutilised.
Energy consumption in that country has largely been dominated by biomass, sourced from fuelwood and accounts for around 80 percent of the energy used.
Imported petroleum products, the next largest source of energy, are mainly for power generation and account for 13 per cent of energy consumption.
Only 15 percent of the total population and about 2.5 percent of the rural population currently have access to electricity.
The power sector is small, with less than 150 MW of energy capacity connecting less than 150,000 customers with the cost for electricity heavily subsidised.
GNA
