- New Kejetia Market is once again in darkness
- The owe ECG over GH¢7 million
- Traders are now calling on government to intervene
The bustling Kumasi City Market, also known as the New Kejetia Market, is once again in darkness after the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) disconnected power over an unpaid debt of over GH¢7 million.
This is the second time the market has been plunged into darkness this year due to unpaid electricity bills.
Despite a previous agreement to settle the debt, the ECG claims the market management has defaulted on the payment plan.
Market authorities, led by Managing Director Edmond Kofi Duffuor, have countered the ECG’s claims, insisting they have been consistent in making payments. “We’ve paid about GH¢1.7 million out of a total debt of GH¢9.7 million as of June,” Duffuor stated.
He questioned the rationale behind the disconnection, considering the market’s consistent payment efforts and the absence of other outstanding debts.
The reliance on generators as an alternative power source has proven to be costly and unsustainable, according to market management.
Traders are now calling on the Local Government Ministry to intervene and resolve the issue to prevent further disruptions to business activities.
The power outage is expected to have a significant impact on traders, especially those dealing in perishable goods.
