Coronavirus: Dome market closed down for non-compliance

The Dome market in the Dome Kwabenya Constituency in the Greater Accra Region has been closed down over the inability of traders to observe the lockdown arrangements and protocols.

The government has restricted movement in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions as well as Kasoa for two weeks.

It took effect from Monday, 30 March 2020 to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

However, essential service providers are exempted from the restrictions.

Markets are also allowed to operate.

The Ga East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Janet Tulasi Mensah, who ordered the closure of the market, noted that it is part of efforts to prevent further spread of the virus as the traders have failed to adhere to certain arrangements.

The market was closed down on Saturday, 4 April 2020 and will be reopened on Tuesday, 7 April 2020.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama has indicated that the ministry may have to close down some markets in the locked-down areas if they get crowded.

She told Accra-based Citi FM: “There are a bit of complications. Sometimes, you see that they are not really practising the social distancing but it’s just about sensitising them and hoping that they’ll comply. They complied in the initial days. It’s getting a bit more difficult now. On the other hand, too, if we find it getting crowded in some areas, we will close those markets. We may close a few so that we guide them through and if they comply, then we can let them come back.

“So, we are telling them that they should practise these directives given. If you don’t, we may have to close the markets for a day or two so that they know we are serious and need to comply. But let me add that the market leaders are very cooperative and we get along with them. And, sometimes, they are also in line with us that if the directions given are not complied with, then the market should be closed for a day or two.”