The Volta River Authority (VRA) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of communities within its operational areas.
The authority has implemented a wide range of impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives over the past 64 years across key sectors, including education, health, environmental protection, water and sanitation – all guided by its CSR policy and community development programme (CDP) framework.
Head of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at VRA, Samuel Kwesi Fletcher, during one of the authority’s community interventions, highlighted that its CSR interventions are anchored on four strategic pillars, namely: education, socio-economic empowerment, health & sanitation, and environmental stewardship.
These efforts align with national development goals and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring a meaningful and lasting impact.
Key achievements in community development
The VRA, under its educational initiatives aimed at empowering the next-generation leaders, has offered about 449 students scholarships since 2011, from its CDP Educational Scholarships, including 234 senior high school (SHS) students before the introduction of free SHS, and 215 tertiary-level beneficiaries.
Infrastructure & donations: The authority supported schools with teaching and learning materials, infrastructure projects and educational donations to enhance learning outcomes in impacted communities.
Employee Volunteer Programme (EVP): This initiative offered VRA staff the opportunity to volunteer to provide career guidance, counselling and teaching support in public SHS at no cost to the institutions.
Socio-economic empowerment: Enhancing livelihoods
VRA promotes economic resilience through initiatives such as bee-keeping and fruit-tree cultivation to alleviate poverty in riparian communities.
Also, its Alternative Livelihood Programmes (ALP) provides skills training to improve economic opportunities for residents.
Health & sanitation: Improving well-being
In line with SDG six – Clean Water and Sanitation, VRA has installed solar mechanised boreholes and water systems to ensure access to clean water in impacted communities.
It also constructed biofil sanitation facilities to promote hygiene and support its schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) control programme.
Environmental stewardship: Protecting natural resources
VRA remains dedicated to environmental sustainability through reforestation, watershed management, aquatic weed control and pollution mitigation in the Volta gorge and downstream catchment areas.
Community impact in Akuse
In the Akuse area, VRA’s interventions include scholarships for brilliant but needy students, donations of educational materials and infrastructure support.
There have also been road improvement works from Okwenya Junction to Akuse VRA Junction to enhance mobility.
Additionally, in collaboration with VRA Ladies (VRALA) and the Association of VRA Technician Engineers (AVRATE), the authority has supported orphanages, refurbished the Natriku D/A Primary School block and provided staff accommodation for the Akuse Hospital.
Commitment to sustainable partnerships
While social infrastructure such as roads primarily falls under local government mandates, VRA continues to collaborate with stakeholders to support mobility and other critical needs as resources permit.
The authority remains dedicated to adding value to the lives of all stakeholders in all operational areas, including Akuse, Akosombo, Tema, Kpone, Aboadze, Anwomaso and surrounding communities.
The authority has made a significant impact through continued engagement with traditional leaders, local government institutions and community stakeholders to address priority needs within its mandate.
