ECG Disconnects Kejetia Market Power Over Unpaid Bills

The Kejetia Market in Kumasi, has been disconnected from the national power grid by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) over unpaid bills, for the third time.

The market management owed ECG an outstanding debt of GHC5.9 million (59 billion old Cedis).

It is alleged that the first disconnection was in 2021 and the second in 2022, with debts amounting to GHC5.4 million. Despite the market management making a partial payment, they were unable to settle the entire amount.

The largest open market in West Africa, has since resorted to using a generator to provide electricity.

The Chairman of the Kumasi Petty Traders Association, Nana Prempeh, has accused the ECG of overcharging the traders.

“The traders have been honouring their payment obligations. I am surprised at the increase in the debt from GHC5.4 million to GHC5.9 million,” he added.

In response to the allegations, the Managing Director for the Kumasi City Market, Mr. Kofi Duffour confirmed the disconnection of power at the facility, stating that over 70% of traders had failed to pay their bills.

Mr. Duffour insisted that the assertion that traders were not owing bills was untrue, and that the current debts amounted to GHC5 million.

The Kejetia Market is a hub of economic activity in the Ashanti region of Ghana, with traders selling a wide range of goods, including foodstuffs, textiles, and electronics.

Story by William Effah Mensah