The Kejetia market in Kumasi is under pressure to clear a significant electricity debt owed to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) by September 16, 2024, following the introduction of a strict repayment plan.

The market, which faced a three-day power outage due to failure to adhere to previous payment schedules, has now reached an agreement with ECG to settle the over GH¢7 million debt, myjoyonline.com reports.

The Public Relations Officer for ECG-Ashanti West, Benjamin Obeng Antwi, detailed the payment plan adding that Kejetia market must make several payments before the deadline.

“By August 30, if they pay GH¢200,000, we will expect them to pay another GH¢273,000 by September 6. On 10th September, we will expect another payment for the legacy debt. They are supposed to finish paying by 16th September, with the exception of the July bill,” Antwi explained.

Complicating the situation is the ongoing challenge of providing separate electricity meters for the thousands of shops within the market.

Although the market management procured over 1,000 single meters to enable individual billing, the initiative has stalled as traders resisted purchasing the meters, citing the high cost and their existing financial burdens.

Benjamin Obeng Antwi revealed that engineering checks identified the need to separate the shops from the bulk meter and disconnect the generator from the main meter to avoid inaccuracies.

However, the lack of response from market management has delayed the implementation of these necessary changes.

The Managing Director of the Kumasi City Markets, Edmond Kofi Duffuor, acknowledged the traders' concerns, noting, “The traders are complaining the meters are expensive, and they are already burdened by their outstanding bills. If they can pay off the debts, then hopefully everyone can get their meters.”

NAY/ADG

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