Kumasi: ECG disconnects power to Kejetia market over GH¢7million debt

The New Kejetia Market in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region has been plunged into darkness.

This comes after the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) disconnected its power supply due to an outstanding debt of over GHS7 million.

ThE disconnection follows a previously agreed-upon payment plan that the ECG claims the market has failed to honour.

This isn't the first time the market has faced such a disruption.

In April 2024, a similar power outage occurred, only for it to be resolved after market management assured ECG of their commitment to clearing the debt.

Despite this assurance and the creation of a payment plan, ECG insists the market has not adhered to the terms, leading to the current disconnection.

Edmond Kofi Duffuor, the Managing Director of the market, expressed deep frustration over the situation, insisting that the market has made substantial efforts to pay down the debt.

"From a total of GHS 9.7 million as of June, we have paid about GHS1.7 million..So why should we be in darkness when we are committed?,” Mr. Duffuor questioned.

He indicated that: “I’m not paying any other service provider any money. No other person is receiving money from Kejetia Market apart from ECG.”

With the power cut in place, the market has been forced to rely on a costly generator to maintain operations.

“Buying diesel is so expensive; we are now depending on a generator,” Mr. Duffuor added, highlighting the additional strain on the market's finances.

Amidst these challenges, traders at the market are calling on the Local Government Ministry to step in and resolve the electricity supply issue.

They argue that without a stable power supply, the market’s operations—and the livelihoods of thousands of traders—are at serious risk.

—classfmonline