The entire process reeks of bias, conflict of interest, and a blatant disregard for due process.
To begin with, the committee’s chairman investigating the Akosombo Dam spillage disaster is Ing. Isaac Kirk Koffi, former CE of the VRA – Kenzo’s godfather. This is the same man who swiftly elevated Kenzo to managerial and directorial positions in the past.
How can such an inquiry be deemed credible when the key player, the Chairman has very long-standing ties to the very individual under investigation?
The situation worsens when we consider that many of the corruption allegations against Kenzo happened under the leadership of Eng. Kirk, when Kenzo was the Plant Manager at Tema Thermal Plants. Additionally, Eng Kirk, the Committee Chairman, is yet another beneficiary of Kenzo’s tenure as Director, Thermal Generation, making it clear that this so-called investigation is nothing more than a facade. This is not a man of integrity who can be trusted to deliver an impartial and thorough report.
What is even more appalling is that Kenzo remains in office while being investigated. This is simply unheard of. In 2003, when VRA staff raised concerns about Dr. Charles Wereku-Brobby (Tarzan)’s leadership styles and some alleged misapplication of funds in the purchasing of some vehicles and respraying of old ones (the yellow cars), Tarzan was immediately asked to step aside for investigation, and he complied. Why, then, is Kenzo being treated differently? The allegations against him far outweigh those against Tarzan, yet the system and approaches appear determined to shield him.
The question must be asked: what makes Kenzo so spaecial?
Why is he soliciting endorsements from even traditional rulers despite the serious allegations against him? Are these eminent Chiefs aware of Kenzo’s troubled past, some of which were even broadcasted by Kelvin Taylor.
Would these same traditional rulers enstool a candidate to the chieftaincy with such a questionable character? Certainly not. So why are they turning a blind eye in this Kenzo case?
Under the previous government, Kenzo competed for the position of Deputy Chief Executive (Engineering & Operations) with a few others. Interestingly, Kenzo did not come near nor was not seen on the winning radial. There are other most competent candidates, who were sidelined simply because their political affiliations could not be ascertained and trusted.
Even within the VRA, Kenzo is not the most qualified technocrat for the role of Chief Executive. In the Engineering & Operations Branch, his deficiencies as an engineer are common knowledge that Kenzo’s technical expertise is ranked as ‘below average’. Often time, other notable engineers have to run to his rescue.
When Kenzo was finally appointed as the Deputy Chief Engineering & Operations) mainly because of his NPP party membership and affiliation, many staff in the Branch suffered various degrees and forms of casualties at Kenzo’s hands.
The recent most troubling incident was when Kenzo was asked to Act as Chief Executive, within hours, he immediately issued a ‘Rotation for his previous position, a ‘vendetta’ to reassign some Directors. In the attempt to promote other cronies, he included in the ‘rotation’ a Director of Strategy, (a recent employed person, who was not recruited as an Engineer (even though he has an engineering background) into the list, sidelining very senior and competent engineers with many years of institutional knowledge, experience, and expertise.
Is this how a state institution like Ghana’s VRA should be operated?
During the recent bruhaha over Kenzo’s acting role, some staff who were loud in voicing his unfitness for the position were targeted, summoned, and warned by the Human Resources Department. Why?
So far, among all the acting Chief Executive officers announced, Kenzo is the only person, traveling around the country meeting every identified prominent chief, group, person, association, and Union begging for support and promising heaven on earth.
Why is Kenzo so desperate, seeking recognition, favour, and endorsement?
If his technical competencies were good and fit for purpose, what is the Committee investigating? Will the issue of the spillage management, be screwed to exonerate and endorse Kenzo with the visible signs of devastation, destruction and human suffering lingering around the downstream communities. It is a was a very huge issue for the President, his campaign message and the party ‘fiat’. We strongly believe that the members of the Committee (except the Chairman, will not allow themselves to be compromised; posterity will judge them.
Kenzo’s track record is damning:
1) Negligence: He oversaw the Akosombo Dam spillage and failed to protect affected communities.
2) Security Breaches: He organised unauthorised celebrations (Zamborees) in a highly restricted area.
3) Procurement Irregularities: He led a $52 million procurement process that flouted due process and approved an unnecessary $7.8 million purchase that remains unused.
4) Neglect of Maintenance: He refused to sign off on crucial maintenance for over two years, risking operational failure.
5) Vindictiveness: Staff members who dared to question his actions faced threats and intimidation.
Kenzo is not fit for this role. A meticulous, unbiased process must be followed to ensure that the right person is appointed. Ghana cannot afford to sacrifice due processes and integrity for political expediency and moneycracy.
By Calvin Dodzi Powell
