New Voter Forum calls on President Mahama to revoke Ing. Kenzo’s appointment as VRA CEO

The New Voter Forum, a pro-NDC pressure group, has strongly urged President John Mahama to halt the appointment of Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo as Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA), citing political allegiance, alleged corruption, and questionable leadership.

According to the group, Ing. Kenzo is a known member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and was a key appointee of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration as Deputy Chief Executive for Engineering and Operations at VRA. They argue that his new role under the NDC-led government is not only a betrayal of party loyalists but a threat to the integrity of the authority.

“Mr Kenzo has tried to procure membership of the NDC party through the backdoor to cover up his tracks. He even fraudulently obtained a party card from the Madina Zongo Junction branch when he actually votes in the Shama Constituency in the Western Region," he said.

Addressing the press, the forum’s convener, Conqueror Mawudzo Kotor, described the appointment as shocking and unacceptable, insisting that it undermines the efforts of dedicated NDC members who worked tirelessly to secure electoral victory.

“It is on record that Ing. Kenzo, as part of the previous management, worked closely with the immediate past Chief Executive, Ing. Antwi Darkwa, to champion the NPP’s agenda. He made life difficult for VRA staff perceived to be NDC members. The fact is, this election was fought and won through the sacrifices of committed citizens. Our question to Mr. President is simple—why appoint a known NPP loyalist over qualified NDC members who have been dedicated to the party’s vision?”

The group further accused Ing. Kenzo of incompetence and financial mismanagement, pointing to the inflation of the T3 plant repowering project from $15 million to $70 million. They also alleged that he played a key role in shady procurement deals at the Tema Thermal Complex, costing VRA millions of dollars.

“Suffice it to say that Mr. Kenzo has been involved in some suspected shady and conflict-of-interest deals at the Tema Thermal Complex in collusion with local representatives of the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It is instructive to note that Ing. Kenzo is said to be involved in procurement infractions totalling over $52 million in sole-sourced contracts. We call on President Mahama to immediately order a probe into the procurement activities involving IDC Energy Ltd, Fosap Logistics, and Syhno Hydro over the past six years," he noted.

The forum also linked Ing. Kenzo to the controversial spillage that displaced thousands in the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions, arguing that compensation has yet to be paid to affected residents. Additionally, concerns were raised over his leadership style, with allegations of bullying and intimidation of staff.

“In an NPP government, who could have served at that highest level as Deputy Chief Executive without being a card-bearing member of the party? It is an open secret that he actively participated in the late recruitment of NPP foot soldiers into VRA without due process in November and December 2024. This includes his niece, who just completed her national service at the VRA office in Akosombo.”

The New Voter Forum has called on President Mahama to act swiftly, warning that allowing Ing. Kenzo to remain in office could jeopardize the NDC’s “Reset-Ghana” agenda and weaken confidence in the country’s energy sector.

“We believe that Ing. Kenzo’s appointment would compromise the country’s energy security and send the wrong message to NDC loyalists. We urge President Mahama to reconsider this appointment in the best interest of the nation," he stated.