Ghana: Energy Media Group Honours Ing. Jabesh Amissah-Arthur With Lifetime Achievement Award

The Board Chairman of the Volta River Authority and former Chief Executive Officer of the Bui Power Authority, Ing. Jabesh Amissah-Arthur, was on Friday recognised and honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 9th Ghana Energy Awards, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, the capital of Ghana.

Ing. Amissah-Arthur, who is also the Managing Partner at Arthur Energy Africa, received overwhelming applause from energy-sector players as he walked to the stage to accept the award.

He was recognised for more than four decades of service during which he played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s energy sector. He received a plaque and a citation highlighting his remarkable journey and impact in the industry.

Early in his career, which began in 1979 at the VRA, he successfully resolved a complex IT challenge that had stalled the work of the Authority’s consultants—an early indication of the ingenuity that would later define his leadership. He was subsequently appointed to lead the Authority’s major digital transformation as Head of the MIS Department, modernising operations and significantly improving institutional efficiency.

One of his most significant national contributions came through the Northern Electrification and System Reinforcement Project, where his technical leadership helped secure financing. He later coordinated all aspects of project implementation for extending the national grid from Kumasi to the northernmost parts of Ghana within four years. This achievement laid the foundation for the National Electrification Programme and expanded electricity access across the country.

At just 42, he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive of the VRA, where he oversaw the country’s generation and transmission systems at a critical period in Ghana’s energy development.

Later, as CEO of the Bui Power Authority, he led the successful delivery of the 400 MW Bui Hydroelectric Dam—completed on schedule, within budget, and supervised entirely by a Ghanaian technical team. The dam remains one of Ghana’s landmark engineering accomplishments.

Ing. Amissah-Arthur also authored the Ghana Grid Code, the regulatory framework that continues to guide the safe and reliable operation of the national transmission system and ensure open access for all stakeholders.

Beyond Ghana, he has contributed to more than 40 major energy projects across West Africa. He has held key leadership roles, including Chair of WAGPA, Chair of TiCO, and CEO and Board Member of the Bui Power Authority.

The Lifetime Achievement Award reflects a career defined by innovation, integrity, and a deep commitment to building national capacity.

It honours a leader whose work has expanded electrification, delivered a major national generation asset, strengthened energy institutions, and improved millions of lives across Ghana and the subregion.

In his remarks, Ing. Amissah-Arthur said the recognition belongs not only to him but also to the many Ghanaian professionals he has worked with over the years.

“I am humbled by this recognition. Every achievement has been a collective effort, and I remain proud of what Ghanaian engineers continue to accomplish,” he said.