The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly has closed Sonturk Supermarket after the business allegedly ignored a directive requiring all commercial establishments to suspend operations during the nationwide clean-up exercise.

The enforcement action was led by Metropolitan Chief Executive George Justice Arthur, who, together with an Assembly task force, inspected businesses across the metropolis to ensure compliance with the temporary closure order.

Officials found the supermarket operating despite an Assembly directive instructing shops and businesses to close between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon to allow traders and residents to participate in the sanitation campaign.

The clean-up exercise was organised in response to recent flooding that left many communities with blocked drains, accumulated refuse and debris, disrupting livelihoods and damaging infrastructure.

The Assembly said the temporary suspension of business activities was intended to encourage residents, traders and other stakeholders to take part in clearing drains and cleaning public spaces as part of broader efforts to improve environmental sanitation.

During the operation, the task force also shut down several businesses at the Kotokuraba Market for failing to comply with the directive.

Some traders, including food vendors and mobile money operators, were arrested and issued summons to appear before the Assembly's Sanitation Court on Monday to answer allegations of breaching the sanitation regulations.

The task force also seized electrical appliances and other items from some affected businesses after their premises were sealed.

The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly said the exercise forms part of its commitment to enforcing sanitation by-laws and promoting greater public participation in keeping the metropolis clean.

The nationwide clean-up campaign continues until 1:00 p.m. on Friday and will resume on Saturday, July 11, during the same period.