Allows us fix our own ECG meters or we won't pay that high utility, service charges — Kejetia Traders

Leaders of the Federation of Kejetia Traders have vowed to stand by their resolution to suspend payment of bills, service charges and other monthly tariffs to management of the market.

The decision which was communicated to the traders on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 has not gone down well with the Asantehene’s representative on the Kejetia Board, Nana Amoamanhene.

However leaders of the traders say, until they are allowed to procure their own meters which have been certified and approved by the Electricity Company of Ghana, they would not cooperate with the management of the market.

According to them, their displeasure follows high electricity cost and lackadaisical attitude of the market’s management in resolving their concerns.

President of the Federation of Kejetia Traders Nana Akwasi Prempeh Speaking to ModernGhana News noted that “with immediate effect, we are calling on all our fellow traders to suspend all payments of bills or monies to Kumasi City Market (Kejetia) until management with the support of the Board of Directors sign the contract with CLOU GHANA LIMITED for the supply and installation of individual meters to each shop in Kumasi City Market”.

The over 1,000 traders at the market months ago complained about the exorbitant bills they pay for electricity with the whole market using just one meter. They called on the Board and Management of the market to get them individual meters but were told that there was no money for such.

The traders have since been exploring ways to secure their own meters. After several weeks the traders have managed to get some banks to support them get the meters but the management is alleged to have refused to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the traders and the company that would supply the meters.

“We want management to accelerate the process and seal the MOU with our proposed third party who after competitive comparison with other vendors, we have tipped CLOU GHANA LIMITED to supply we the traders with electricity meter because their meters are relatively cheaper and durable but it seems management [is] dragging their feet in signing the MOU to seal the deal," they emphasised.