The Sekondi-Takoradi Metro and the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assemblies have announced the closure of the Sekondi, Takoradi, Jubilee Park, Kojokrom and Effiakuma Number 9 Markets from tomorrow, Thursday, May 28, to Wednesday, June 3, 2020 for fumigation and disinfection exercise.

The following sections within the central business district of Takoradi will also be affected by the closure:

a. Entire Market Circle

b. Ebirewfomu Second-Hand Shoe and Cloth Market

c. Old Axim Station Market (excluding the Taxi Terminal)

d. Behind All Saints Anglican Church Second-Hand Shoe and Cloth Market

The closure also forms part of the measures put in place to control the spread of COVID-19 in the metropolitan area and as such all special market-days have temporary been suspended across the metropolitan area. 

In a statement, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metro and the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assemblies noted that the Presidential directives to suspend all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, parties, nightclubs, drinking spots, beaches, festivals, political rallies, religious activities and sporting events are still in force.

While the markets remained closed the leadership of various markets will be engaged to introduce shift system using colours when the markets are reopened.

Whereas Takoradi market will run three shifts (i.e. red, yellow and green), Sekondi, Kojokrom and Effiakuma Number 9 Markets will run two shifts (i.e. red and yellow).

Operators or managers of public places have also been directed to visibly display notices of ‘No Face Mask, No Entry’ at the frontage of their premises.

 The leadership of commercial transport operators have been encouraged to ensure that their drivers and passengers wear face masks and observe social or physical distancing.

While Motorbike riders have been reminded not to pick any passenger.

The Western Region has become the new hotspot for the COVID-19 pandemic.

As at Wednesday, 27 May 2020, the region had recorded 344 COVID-19 cases.