Eight traders have been arrested at the Ashaiman market for flouting the government’s directive not to sell amidst the ongoing fumigation exercise being carried out across all markets in the Greater Accra Region.

As part of measures to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the country, markets in the Greater Accra Region have today, Monday, 23 March 2020 been closed for a fumigation exercise.

According to the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama, this is necessary to rid the nation’s capital of any looming infestations.

She said a decision has already been arrived at by all stakeholders [market women] involved.

Ahead of the fumigation exercise, the Minister visited the various markets, assuring all and sundry that 100 ‘Veronica’ buckets and other essential hygienic materials will be provided to enable market women adhere to the precautionary measures announced by the government.

“They have all agreed on Monday and I was happy. They all see that there is expediency in the matter and we have to do it quick… in the Greater Accra Region, markets will be closed on Monday,” she told the media.

A joint task force from the Ashaiman Divisional Police and the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly picked up the eight women who were selling secretly at the Ashaiman Mandela Market.

Two traders who had also brought tomatoes from Burkina Faso meant for sale at the market were part of the eight people who were arrested.

The two have since been handed over to health officials for testing for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, 1300 sprayers have been deployed to disinfect 137 markets, Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah disclosed.