The Energy Minister, Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh, has disclosed that his ministry has procured 2000 pre-paid metres for shops at the Kejetia Market in the Ashanti Region.
He revealed this on March 20, during a visit to the market after a section was destroyed by fire.
Traders protested in demand for separate metres for the 8000 shops in the $298 million ultra-modern facility for several months but to no avail.
On several occasions, the traders clashed with the management of the market over the decision to use one bulk meter for all the shops.
Addressing the traders, Dr Prempeh assured them each shop would soon get a pre-paid metre as part of the government’s commitment to ensuring business returns to normal.
“2000 pre-paid meters have been released by the Energy Ministry to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to begin installation in the Kejetia Market. That’s the first consignment; the other consignment is on the way,” he explained.
He also encouraged the traders to avoid activities that may cause further incidents at the facility.
“We don’t cherish always coming to empathize with you victims of Kejetia Central Market fire disasters. Please, you can’t cook and do whatever you like in the market. We can’t encourage that going forward. The government will fix the problem but let us protect the market for our interests.”