The Kumasi City Market, also known as the New Kejetia Market, has been disconnected from the power grid by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) due to outstanding arrears of over GH¢7 million.

Despite a previous agreement to clear the debt, ECG claims the market has defaulted on the payment plan, leading to the disconnection.

In April 2024, the market experienced a similar power outage, which was restored after management assured commitment to paying the debt.

A payment plan was drawn up, but ECG insists the market has failed to adhere to it.

The market’s management, led by Managing Director Edmond Kofi Duffuor, claims they have shown commitment to paying the debt, but ECG remains unsatisfied.

“From a total of 9.7 million Ghana cedis as of June, we have paid about 1.7 million Ghana cedis…So why should we be in darkness, when we are committed? I’m not paying any other service provider any money. No other person is receiving money from Kejetia Market apart from ECG.

He added, “Buying diesel is so expensive, we are now depending on a generator.”

The traders are calling on the Local Government Ministry to intervene and address the electricity supply issue to ensure the market’s smooth operation.

Currently, the market is relying on generators, which management deems unsustainable.