Two hundred and sixty-six markets in the Northern, North East and Savannah regions have been disinfected in the ongoing nationwide exercise to enhance hygienic conditions at markets.
The exercise, which is being led by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and coordinated by the various metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs), forms part of efforts by the government to prevent and contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.
Markets
In the Northern Region, the Tamale Central, Aboabo, Lamashegu, Kukuo, Savelegu, Tolon, Yendi and Bipela markets were disinfected.
Some principal streets in the Tamale metropolis, beginning from the ADB Bank to Agric traffic light through to the Tamale Airport on the main Tamale-Walewale-Bolgantanga dual carriageway, were also disinfected.
The Nalerigu, Gambaga, Chereponi, Yagba/Kubori, Lingbinsi and Walewale markets were among those disinfected in the North East Region.
In the Savannah Region, the exercise took place in Damongo, the regional capital, Salwa, Bole, Buipe, Salaga, among others.
Successful exercise
The exercise, carried out last Wednesday and yesterday, was generally successful, as residents abided by the directive to close down their shops or businesses.
It was carried out by a team from the National Mosquito Control Programme, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, with support from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Salifu Saeed, who joined the team to undertake the exercise in the Tamale metropolis, commended residents for complying with the directive for an uninterrupted exercise.
He said aside from containing and preventing the spread of the pandemic in the region, the exercise would also ensure a hygienic environment for traders and residents.
Border security
The North East Regional Minister, Mr Solomon Boar, who also joined the team to undertake the exercise in the region, gave an assurance that stringent measures had been put in place by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to prevent foreigners from entering Ghana through unapproved routes.
“The security agencies, especially the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), stationed along the Ghana-Togo border in the region, are on high alert to prevent movement to and from the region,” he said.
Savannah Region
Speaking at a press conference in Damongo before the start of the exercise in the Savannah Region, the Deputy Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Yayu Tikah, gave an assurance that the Regional Coordinating Council would continue to put in measures to augment the government’s efforts to protect residents of the region from the virus.
The technical advisor of the exercise, Mr Desmond Appiah, underscored its importance and urged the people of the area to stay safe and follow the precautions put in place to protect them from being infected by the virus.
The Municipal Chief Executive for West Gonja, Mr Saeed Muhazu Jibril, thanked the people of Damongo for adhering to instructions and allowing the exercise to go on successfully.
Source: graphic.com.gh/
