Produce evidence or shut up! —FDAG slams group accusing VRA & Ag. CEO Obeng-Kenzo

A group of researchers known as the Forum for Development and Accountable Governance (FDAG) has refuted allegations against the new Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo.

The allegations by a group known as New Voters have been found by FDAG to be frivolous, following their investigations on the activities of VRA.

Below is the full statement from FDAG:

February 20, 2025-The Forum for Development and Accountable Governance (FDAG) has closely followed a recent press conference by the New Voter Forum (NVF), where claims were made against the Volta River Authority (VRA) and its Acting CEO, Ing. Obeng-Kenzo.

As a civil society organization committed to promoting good governance, accountability, and transparency, FDAG was initially intrigued by the NVF’s statements, particularly given our track record in exposing mismanagement within institutions of State. You recall that recently, FDAG held a similar press conference and exposed some decay at the Ghana Port and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

Our press conference subsequently drew the attention of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and invited us (FDAG) for further discussions on the matter. It is against this background that FDAG decided to scrutinize the claims made by the New Voter Forum (NVF) to establish the authenticity of the allegations made to enable us join hands with them to demand accountability.

Unfortunately, our independent examination of the facts does not support the narrative as put out by the group. As a civil society organization dedicated to promoting transparency, justice, and good governance, we cannot remain silent on what our investigations uncovered vis-a vis the claims of wrong doing at the VRA.

We take these attacks on the integrity of individuals in positions of national responsibility seriously.

In the interest of transparency and to protect the public from misleading narratives, we believe that, it is crucial to present the facts clearly and authoritatively as follows;

1. On the specific aallegation that the Ag. VRA CEO, Ing. Obeng-Kenzo, ddiscriminated against some staff of VRA, our investigations found no evidence to support this claim. We discovered that Ing. Obeng-Kenzo has always upheld professionalism, fairness, and inclusivity at VRA. FDAG established that tthroughout his tenure, he has worked harmoniously with staff from different backgrounds, ensuring a conducive work environment based on merit and capability rather than some perceived political considerations.

2. Again, our findings indicate that the allegations of procurement infractions and financial mismanagement at the Volta River Authority (VRA) are entirely unfounded, misleading, and aimed at discrediting the institution’s sound management practices. It is pertinent to note that VRA operates under strict financial regulations, consistent with the Public Procurement Act and international procurement standards, that ensure value for money, transparency, and operational efficiency. Every transaction undergoes rigorous scrutiny and auditing.

Stakeholders and some workers at VRA that FDAG engaged maintained that Ing. Obeng-Kenzo has been instrumental in strengthening VRA’s financial accountability and ensuring that contracts are awarded transparently.

FDAG established that procurement of critical components, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance works are subject to thorough technical assessments, cost-benefit analyses, and regulatory approvals. The allegation of inflated costs or financial mismanagement was deliberately designed and manufactured by the group to an individual’s reputation without basis

3. Furthermore, the group alleged that the ccontrolled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, lleading to ddisplacement of rresidents was by the Ag. CEO. Again, this allegation is a gross misrepresentation of the facts and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. The controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams in 2023 was an unavoidable safety measure taken to protect lives and safeguard critical infrastructure, including the dams. While we recognize the hardship experienced by affected the communities, it is important to clarify the circumstances that necessitated the spillage and the measures that were taken to mitigate its impact.

Why Spillage Was Necessary

The Volta River Authority (VRA) continuously monitors inflows into the Akosombo Dam using data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency and international climate forecasting institutions. Forecasts initially indicated a 70% likelihood of below-average inflows for 2023. An outcome that required no spillage of water from the dam. However, at the end of August 2023, updated forecasts pointed to above-average inflows, necessitating preparatory activities for a potential spill. By early September 2023, inflows into the reservoir had increased significantly.

On September 8, 2023, stakeholders were notified of a possible spillage. This was followed by a press release on September 12, 2023, informing the general public of the rising water levels and the likelihood of controlled spilling. Spillage commenced on September 15, 2023, at a low rate and was sustained at manageable levels for 23 days to allow communities time to move to safer ground. Despite these precautionary measures, inflows continued to rise sharply, reaching 400,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) in the second week of October—180% above the long-term average. Delaying an increase in the spill rate would have resulted in one of two critical risks:

a. Jeopardizing the structural integrity of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams

b. Forcing a larger, uncontrolled spill of over 300,000 CFS, which could have caused severe downstream devastation, including possible damage to the Sogakope Bridge, a critical trade route. To prevent these outcomes, the spill rate was increased to 185,000 CFS on October 10, 2023, ensuring that water levels remained within safe operational limits. The spill continued until October 30, 2023, when inflows had stabilized.

Preventing Disaster

The Akosombo Dam holds approximately 150 billion cubic meters of water, making it one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. A dam breach would have had catastrophic consequences, far surpassing the impact of controlled spillage. For the records, the Libya dam failure in September 2023, involving a reservoir that held just 0.015% of Akosombo’s volume, resulted in the loss of over 11,000 lives and wiped-out entire communities. A similar failure in Ghana would have been devastating. Due to the proactive measures taken by VRA and its partners, no lives were lost during the controlled spillage.

Support for Affected Communities

We acknowledge that the controlled spillage had significant impacts on communities downstream, displacing thousands and affecting livelihoods. VRA worked closely with NADMO and local authorities to coordinate evacuation efforts, ensuring timely warnings and assistance for affected communities. Additionally, GHS 20 million was provided for immediate relief efforts, including food, shelter, and medical support. A Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee was established to investigate the spillage in 2024, engaging VRA, NADMO, and representatives of affected communities. It is instructive to note that the committee’s report did not make any adverse findings against anybody in VRA. The committee however made recommendations aimed at alleviating the hardships of affected persons and improving preparedness for future events. The decision to spill water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams was a difficult but

necessary one. Such decisions are not made by one individual but are the result of a collective process involving expert assessments, thorough calculations, and coordinated action across various teams within the institution. Blaming a single individual for this necessary operational decision is not only misleading but indicative of a fundamental misunderstanding of hydroelectric dam operations

4. The group also claimed that the Ag. CEO engaged in divide and rule ttactics. Once again, our stakeholder engagements with the staff revealed that Ing. Obeng-Kenzo has always been an advocate of teamwork and unity. His leadership style is inclusive, ensuring that all staff—both junior and senior—have a voice in VRA’s operations. The staff insisted that his approach to engaging different staff groups separately was to understand their specific concerns and address them effectively, not to create division.

5. Additionally, the allegation that the Ag. CEO is eemotionally uunstable and a bbully was unfortunate. We ask, ssince when did the group (NVF) become certified psychologists capable of diagnosing emotional instability? Are they now running a psychiatric evaluation unit alongside their anti-corruption campaign? Or perhaps they are simply projecting their own erratic tendencies onto a man who has spent decades in leadership, making tough decisions with precision and professionalism.

It is therefore instructive to put on record that our research recognized that Ing. Edward Obeng-Kenzo has worked in Ghana’s power sector for over 25 years, managing complex projects, leading thousands of employees, and navigating the country’s energy challenges with competence and resilience. It takes discipline, intelligence, and strategicleadership—qualities he has demonstrated time and again to steer the affairs of VRA.

If the group had even a shred of credibility, they would produce evidence of their absurd claims. But, as always, they rely on baseless name-calling, hoping that the louder they shout, the more believable their drivel becomes. Unfortunately for them, the public is too discerning to fall for such infantile attempts at character assassination.

Instead of spewing ridiculous allegations, perhaps they should take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask themselves whether they are in a position to assess anyone’s mental or emotional stability. Until they provide a legitimate psychological evaluation backed by qualified professionals—this preposterous claim will be treated with the contempt it deserves.

7. On the issue of alleged cover up of ccorruption at VRA, FDAG uncovered that Ing. Obeng-Kenzo has been a strong advocate for transparency and accountability at the Volta River Authority (VRA). Throughout his tenure, he has led significant reforms, notably strengthening internal audit controls, enforcing procurement best practices, and spearheading cost-saving initiatives that have greatly enhanced VRA’s financial health.

His dedication to integrity is beyond reproach, and his leadership has fostered greater efficiency within the organization rather than any attempts to cover up wrongdoing.9. 8. The group also stated that Ing. Obeng-Kenzo’s appointment undermines the Reset Ghana Agenda by President Mahama. Our information is the on the contrary, energy stakeholders including some NDC energy experts that we engaged emphasized that Ing. Obeng-Kenzo is a pillar of the Reset Ghana agenda. Our research shows that his vision aligns with President Mahama’s objective of revitalizing the energy sector and ensuring stable power supply for national development. His expertise in thermal and renewable energy projects makes him the best fit for VRA’s transformation.

9. The New Voter Forum (NVF) alluded to the political inclinations of Ing. Obeng-Kenzo. As a Civil Society Organization (CSO), our primary interest lies in assessing the competence and integrity of individuals, rather than their political affiliations. We focus on the ability of a person to perform their duties effectively, irrespective of political alignment. Political considerations should not be the standard by which individuals are judged; rather, it is their

profound understanding of the complexities of managing critical infrastructure and his commitment to protecting both the environment and the people of Ghana.

In every facet of his work, Ing. Obeng-Kenzo has proven himself as a leader who combines technical expertise, strategic foresight, and an unyielding commitment to the growth and sustainability of Ghana’s energy sector.

conclusion

In conclusion, FDAG’s investigation reveals that the allegations against Ing. Obeng-Kenzo and the VRA are untrue and unsubstantiated. The VRA, under his leadership, has upheld transparency, accountability, and professionalism, ensuring the stability and growth of Ghana’s energy sector. FDAG remains committed to promoting good governance and will continue to advocate for integrity and truth in all sectors of national development.

Thank you

Signed

Nana Kojo Abbam

Senior Research Fellow

Tel; 233 531126889