Markets in the Ashanti Region will be closed down today March 27, 2020 for a fumigation exercise.
The fumigation exercise in the markets in the Ashanti region comes on the back of a similar one conducted in the Greater Accra Region on Monday.
The fumigation exercise forms part of measures to disinfect public spaces to control the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Ahead of the exercise, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) in a statement said markets within the region will be closed down and urged traders to comply with the directive.
“In this regard, Friday, 27th March 2020 has been scheduled as the day for the exercise as directed by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC), and as such, all the markets would be closed in readiness for the exercise.”
“KMA is by this release, therefore, appealing to all traders and the general public to comply with the directive to ensure the success of the exercise,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the trader groups in the markets have indicated that traders will comply with directives to close their shops to pave the way for the fumigation exercise.
The Chairman for the Kejetia Petty Traders Association, Nana Prempeh noted that more measures must be put in place to educate traders on the pandemic.
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He said, “Beyond the disinfection tomorrow is where we have our problem. Education among our people is very low. Some of the traders see it as a hoax. Some feel that it’s just one of those viral diseases that people are talking about. So we entreat the city authorities that after tomorrow’s exercise, they should embark on a massive education at the various market places. Be it within the market itself, or the petty traders who are by the roadside. They don’t take seriousness to the guidelines and rules the health authorities are giving us. They are taking things for granted and I think we are all at risk.”
