CCMA Holds Sensitization Programme On COVID 19

The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly acting on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) has held a sensitisation programme on COVID-19 for the leadership of all five major markets in the Cape Coast Metropolitan Area as part of measures to control the spread of the coronavirus disease.

This is in line with a directive by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to the MLGRD to collaborate with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to ensure personal hygiene and good sanitation practices in markets across Ghana.

In his welcome address, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Hon. Ernest Arthur indicated that we are not in normal times and in line with the directive from the sector Minister, Hon. Hajia Alima Mahama, the Assembly has set up the Public Health Emergency Committee to coordinate the Assembly's activities on the fight against COVID 19 pandemic.

He mentioned that already, the various subcommittees have started working with some members providing education at markets to ensure proper sanitation practices. Other members are also providing education on radio to the general public. There is a task force in place to ensure that people adhere to all the measures put in place by the government to control the spread of the virus,” he said.

Explaining the rationale for the meeting, Hon. Kwamena Duncan, the Central Regional Minister indicated that the meeting was to engage the leadership of markets and explain to them what they need to do to control the spread of the coronavirus. "We expect that from here, you will also engage your members in the market and educate them on COVID 19. Make sure you protect yourselves by adhering to the precautionary measures as outlined by the government", the Minister said.

Hon. Bright Wereko-Brobby, Member of Parliament for Hemang Lower Denkyira and Deputy Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, appealed to the general public to take good care of themselves and take all the precautionary measures put in place to ensure that they stay healthy in these trying times. He stated that any mistake on our side will be disastrous for Ghana and all efforts put in place by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo will be in vain.

Hon. Hawa Koomson and Hon. Naana Eyiah, Minister for Special Development Initiatives and Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources respectively advised the women to practice good hygiene and wash their hands with soap at all times. According to them, we cannot afford to shut down markets and that they need to take care of themselves and their customers to avoid the spread of the disease which has no cure.

The sensitisation meeting was also attended by Mr. Simon Gador, Acting Metro. Coordinating Director, Mrs. Hayfron, Metro Director of Health, Mr. Iddrisu Shani, Environmental Health and Sanitation Officer, Mrs. Margaret Nyarko Sampson, from the Metro Health Directorate and leaders from Kotokuraba, Abura, Anafo, Efutu and Yawoada Markets.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Hon. Ernest Arthur has led the distribution of 10 Veronica buckets, 10 Jumbo tissue rolls, a carton of liquid soap consisting of 24 bottles, four dustbins, 50 nose masks, and two cartons of hand sanitisers each to all the markets in Cape Coast. The Mayor and his team used the opportunity to demonstrate how to prevent the spread of the virus to market women.