Kumasi Central Market closed down over Non-observance of social distancing protocol 

The Kumasi Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC) has ordered the closure of the Kumasi Central Market with effect from today, Tuesday April 7, 2020.

The decision to close the market follows the blatant disregard of advice by the World Health Organisation (WHOs) by traders to ensure social distancing protocol in the wake of the Coronavirus.

According to the Chairman of the METSEC, Osei Assibey Antwi, who is also the Mayor of Kumasi, the Security Council, after a meeting with an eleven-member committee of the Kumasi Central Market, and leadership of the 67 trade associations of the market, it was decided that the market be closed down to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The METSEC noted that believing the scary nature of the actions of some recalcitrant traders, the best option was for the market to be closed down in the interim to enable the leadership of the traders to reorganise them into groups.

Mr. Osei Assibey Antwi indicated that the leadership of the traders would have to meet and set out the modalities for the rotation of the various trade groups, and update the METSEC for the consideration of the re-opening of the market.

A statement issued on by the METSEC to that effect also announced that trading along the margins of the road at the Central Market and the Central Business District (CBD) remains prohibited.

The closure comes barely 10 days after the market and 20 others in Kumasi were disinfected at the instance of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to contain the spread of the Coronavirus.

In Kumasi, all 21 markets, including the Central Market, Kumasi City, Asafo, Bantam, Krofrom, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem (Abinkyi Market), Race Course, and Sokoban and Adum European, were disinfected under the exercise.

The rest are Adumanu, Patasi, Amakom, Afful Nkwanta, Bohyen, Atasomanso, Sepe Buokrom, Moshie Zongo and Kwadaso Estate markets.

Others are the Santasi, South Junction stores, Abrepo and Dr. Mensah markets.

 

By Sebastian R. Freiku / www.thechronicle.com.gh

 

 

The post Kumasi Central Market closed down over Non-observance of social distancing protocol  appeared first on The Chronicle Online.

Read Full Story