Volta River Authority celebrates 62nd anniversary with a focus on innovation and creativity
The Volta River Authority (VRA) is set to expand its markets, increase competitiveness and financial performance through innovative activities. This was revealed by the Chief Executive of the Authority, Mr Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, during the 62nd-anniversary celebration in Accra. The theme of the celebration was “Creativity and Innovation in VRA: My Business, Your Business.”
According to Mr Antwi-Darkwa, the Authority is determined to develop new partnerships, reduce turnaround time, increase turnover, and improve profitability, just like any private sector institution would. The CEO emphasized that the Authority’s growth was achieved through the collective effort and diligence of its staff.
For the most part, the VRA has survived numerous challenges such as the impact of COVID-19, financial market turbulence, and industry difficulties such as the surge in natural gas and other input prices. These challenges led to the adjustment of the Authority’s strategy and approach to operations, focusing on agility, digitization, and multi-stakeholder collaborations.
Mr Antwi-Darkwa stressed that the VRA’s sustainability plan, overarching corporate strategy, creativity, and innovation were dependent on a symbiotic relationship. He noted that creative thinking was essential as conventional methods of working or managing organizations were no longer effective. He added that fresh and unique ideas provided novel approaches and solutions to the company’s business focus.
On a global scale, renewable energy is gaining momentum, and customers are becoming more environmentally conscious, leading to the displacement of conventional power. Mr Antwi-Darkwa highlighted the importance of embracing newer forms of power sources to stay relevant in the market.
Dr Stella Agyenim-Boateng, Advisor to the Chief Executive of VRA, stated that the Authority had initiated the Authority’s Creativity and Innovation Departmental Open to enhance service delivery. The initiative aims to inculcate a culture of innovation in the organization and measure and improve upon the Authority’s operational and service delivery.
The Authority presented Mr Dennis Anyomi from the Hydro Generation Department with a plaque, a cheque of $1000, and a business trip to Dubai. Mr Anyomi emerged as the overall winner for developing a QR code to improve service delivery. Additionally, the management of the Authority presented nine other staff with plaques and cheques of Gh¢1000 and Gh¢3000 for developing creative ideas to improve the company’s overall performance.
In conclusion, the VRA’s commitment to creativity and innovation is a step in the right direction towards expanding its markets, increasing competitiveness and financial performance. The Authority’s focus on sustainability, digitization, and multi-stakeholder collaborations is commendable and should be emulated by other institutions.