The Leadership of the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) have resolved to close all major markets within the Metropolis as a preventive measure to halt the spread of the COVID-19 in the Metropolis.

The closure would begin on Thursday, May 28, and end on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

Mr. John Laste, Public Relations Officer of STMA, said the decision had become necessary since many of the market traders were gradually derailing the gains in social distancing.

The Assembly, created some satellite markets at the Jubilee Park in Takoradi and Ekuasi in Sekondi to avoid overcrowding of both traders and buyers but traders have blatantly flouted the vision for the creation of these satellite markets, thereby, necessitating the one-week closure.

He said, the assembly was still in consultation to see whether a shift system could also be adopted when the one week ban elapsed.

The affected Markets would include; Takoradi Market Circle, Jubilee Park, Sekondi Market, Effiakuma No. 9 Market, Essikado Market, and Kojokrom Market.

All drinking bars within the STMA and Effia Kwesimintsim Municipality would also be closed in the period under consideration.

Already, the Joint Taskforce of the two assemblies has arrested some recalcitrant bar operators and are preparing them for the appropriate sanctions.

Mr. James Obeng Jnr., Metropolitan NADMO Boss said the exercise was to ensure that operators did not create an unnecessary crowd and somewhat spread of the deadly virus.

The Western Region has been described as the current hotspot, overtaking Ashanti Region with cases accumulating to 206.