Covid-19: Kumasi Central Market closed, traders to go ‘double-track’

The Kumasi Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC) has ordered an interim closure of the Kumasi Central Market.

The order which takes effects today, Tuesday, April 7, follows reports that traders have been “blatantly disregarding the WHO’s social distancing protocols in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic“.

The decision was reached after an emergency METSEC meeting with the 11-member committee of the Kumasi Central Market as well as other leaders of the 67 trade associations of the market.

“After a lengthy deliberation on the effects of the actions by some recalcitrant traders, it was unanimously agreed that the Central Market be closed down in the interim to enable traders reorganize themselves into groups to trade in turns to reduce congestion…” parts of a statement signed by the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Osei Assibey Antwi read.

The directive, METSEC added, will be enforced to allow leadership reorganize themselves into groups as agreed.

The Council also reminded traders that trading activities along the margins of the road at the Central Market and the Central Business District (CBD) remains prohibited.

Parts of Ghana have been on a partial lockdown as a measure to contain the spread of the Coronavirus.

The directive is being enforced in affected areas including the Kumasi Metropolis. Traders were, however, given the green light to sell at the markets.

Ghana’s Covid-19 cases currently stand at 287 with five deaths.

By Jonathan Ofori