246 Markets in Bono, Bono East and Ahafo disinfected

A total of 246 markets in the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions were yesterday disinfected as part of measures by the government to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The exercise brought economic activities in the regional capitals to a virtual halt.

As early as 4 a.m., various teams comprising workers of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, members of the security services and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) moved to the districts to begin the exercise.

In Sunyani, the capital of the Bono Region, the exercise began about 6:30 a.m. from the Sunyani main market, during which members of the spraying gang moved from one end of the market to the other to undertake the spraying.

Other markets that were covered included the Bosoma market, Night market, Atronie Station market, Kotokrom market and Fiapre market.

In all, 125 major markets in the Bono Region benefited from the exercise.

Commendation

Speaking to the media before the commencement of the exercise, the Bono Regional Minister, Mrs Evelyn Ama Kumi-Richardson, commended traders, chiefs and other residents of the region for their high level of cooperation and involvement in the exercise.

She called on them to continue to observe hygienic practices such as washing of hands with soap under running water and the use of hand sanitisers to protect them from contracting the disease.

Support government efforts

The Director-General of NADMO, Mr Eric Nana Agyeman-Prempeh, expressed satisfaction with the exercise and called on Ghanaians to support efforts by the government to prevent the spread of the disease.

Bono East

In the Bono East Region, markets covered were the Techiman central market — which is one of the biggest markets in Ghana, Atebubu-Amantin Municipal market, Kintampo market areas and the Kintampo South markets.

Others were the Nkoranza Municipal market, Nkoranza North District market, Sene West District market, Sene East District market, and the Pru West District disinfected.

At the Techiman market all commercial activities, including trading, were halted for the whole day as all stores, containers and other shops were closed.

In all, 203 sprayers were deployed to undertake the Techiman market exercise.

The exercise, which started about 6 a.m. and ended at 10 a.m. saw the disinfection team spraying all corners of the market and adjoining lorry parks.

All markets and lorry stations were closed down for the mass spraying exercise.

Emergency exercise

Addressing the disinfection team ahead of the exercise at Techiman, the Bono East Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Amoakohene, said the exercise was an emergency one and should not be criticised but rather be supported to ensure its effectiveness.

"This is not the time for criticism, rather it’s time for action and this action taken by the government should be encouraged," he stated.

Ahafo

In the Ahafo Region, 43 markets in the six districts and municipalities were disinfected.

They included the Goaso market, Kenyasi, Hwidiem, Bechem and the Duayaw-Nkwanta markets.

The Regional Minister, Mr Evans Opoku-Bobie, advised the people in the region to take a cue from the government's gesture and inculcate basic hygienic practices in their daily lives.