Opposition to the appointment of Ing. Edward Obeng Kenzo as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Volta River Authority (VRA) has intensified, with unknown persons believed to be staff of the Authority hoisting banners in Akosombo township expressing their displeasure.
The banners bear inscriptions such as, “Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng Kenzo Must Go. President Mahama and NDC must not make that mistake” has been fixed at the checkpoint entry to Akosombo township.
Meanwhile a group calling itself the Grassroots of the NDC, along with some VRA staff, has been vocal in its opposition to Ing. Kenzo’s appointment.
They have issued public statement expressing their dissatisfaction and urging President John Mahama and the rescind the decision.
Excerpt from their comments state that
“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 leveled several allegations against 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 led 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.
Compensation for affected residents remains unpaid to the affected victims.
Critics have also raised concerns about Ing. Kenzo’s leadership style and workplace behavior alleging he is a “bully”.
In terms of professional contributions,they claim Ing. Kenzo has no track record of even adding a single megawatt of conventional power to the national grid.
The agitating staff said,instead, he focused on relocating the Ameri power units from Aboadze to Kumasi at a cost of $32 million.
The agitating staff also raised concerns about cable theft scandal that happened during his watch as manager of Tema Thermal Complex.
The NDC caucus and VRA staff have vowed to resist any attempt to confirm Ing. Edward Kenzo as CEO if he is confirmed as CEO of VRA.
