TIG Post

Tag: market

  • Well fight for job security amidst impact of Coronavirus ICU pledges

    The Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) has commended the public service and some multinational companies for ensuring job security amidst the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana.

    According to the union,  but for its timely intervention, many more employees would have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

    So far, the Ghana Tourism Federation for instance says about 800,000 workers in the hospitality industry have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

    As the Union celebrates its 60th anniversary, the General Secretary of ICU, Solomon Kotei says his outfit will continue to fight for the rights of workers in Ghana.

    “Because we are very dominant in the public sector, there is no indication of layoffs to come. But when you look at the private sectors, individuals and the multinationals they have not given any signal of wanting to lay off any worker. In fact, they have not drawn us to the table of whether or not if they are going to do some salary cuts or what have you. This gives us the spirit that we need to go the extra mile to make sure that the businesses are sustained so that after this COVID-19, all of us will be able to find our jobs and keep our homes running.”

    As the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to widen globally and in Ghana, some companies in the country have shut down their operations due to low patronage.

    Some have already laid-off casual workers and are preparing to cut down on permanent staff.

    According to them, it was no longer prudent to continue operations when the numbers have dropped drastically; while they still pay salaries, bills and taxes.

    Already, about 94,000 teachers from over 4,300 private schools in the country have not been paid due to the challenges imposed by the coronavirus outbreak, according the Ghana National Council of Private

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • E/R: Assemblies urged to promote satellite markets

    As part of measures to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic in the Eastern Region, the Regional Coordinating Council has advised various Municipal and District Assemblies to encourage traders and buyers to patronize satellite markets in their respective areas.

    According to the Council, the move is to help ensure social distancing at the various markets.

    Most markets in the region continue to record high turnout on market days which poses a risk to both traders and the general public who patronize such facilities.

    In an interview with Citi News during a visit to some satellite markets in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality to sensitize traders on the need to practice all protocols, the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Samuel Neurtey Ayertey called on traders to strictly adhere to all protocols.

    “This is the Lasi market which I relocated here temporarily as contractors are currently on-site working to finish their original market. Within the next four weeks, the project will be completed and they will move into it to trade peacefully.”

    “It is a satellite market and I want to urge all-district and municipal assemblies in the region to revive the satellite markets in their areas and also encourage citizens to patronize them in this season. We all know that we have to avoid crowded places in order not to become vulnerable in contracting the virus so this is a perfect time for various assemblies to revive and encourage satellite markets”.

    The Deputy Eastern Regional Minister who also visited the construction site where contractors were busy working on the new Lasi satellite market encouraged them to give their all to ensure they finish on time.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Compensate us now or stop market construction Dodowa landowners fume

    The Dodowa Landowners Association has called on the Dodowa District Assembly to compensate them or stop construction works on the new Dodowa Market.

    According to the association, the Assembly has refused to compensate them.

    In a statement issued by the group on Thursday, 14 May 2020, the landowners said: “In 1993, the Dodowa District Assembly, led by Hon. Seth Kpabitey, approached the chief of Apperkon and proposed a stretch of land for the Dodowa market without any agreement. The said land is not a stool land but individual lands, so, the chief had to inform the landowners since they also wanted development, they agreed and released the land for the market.”

    “The land was not a virgin land, it had been developed with block factory, palm plantation, mango trees, vegetable farms” among others and when the term of office of “the DCE ended and Hon. E.T Mensah took over, the chief and the landowners did their best seeking compensation and agreement but nothing good came out.”

    The property owners said when a new DCE, Daniel Akuffo, resumed office in 2017, “the landowners approached him and he told us that he is chasing our money and would invite us when he finishes but up to now, we haven’t heard from him”, adding that nothing has been done about the situation.

    The association added: “We need our money or he [the DCE] should stop the construction of the new market.”

    Source: Class FM

  • Fire guts stores at the Navrongo main market

    Fire has ravaged several stores at the Navrongo main market Monday night.

    The inferno, which started at about 8pm, destroyed containers and other properties belonging to the traders.

    Three large provision stores close to the smoked mudfish market, in the same vicinity with the Zambarima Pwekura, were completely destroyed before firefighters brought it under control.

    The fire did not hurt any of the traders, but a young man who helped fight it sustained a deep cut in his right hand.

    The cause was yet to be established but the store owners suspect an electrical fault sparked the fire.

    The rapid response of the Ghana National Fire Service prevented the fire from spreading to other stores.

    The incident has resurrected the conversation on the need for the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Assembly to decongest all markets in the town to make them easily accessible in times of disaster.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Police open tear-gas on demonstrating market women in Bolga

    Police in the Upper East Region capital of Bolgatanga had to resort to the firing of warning shots and tear gas after attempts to stop market women from demonstrating failed.

    The women were demonstrating against authorities for locking the Bolgatanga market as social distancing rules to curb the spread of coronavirus are implemented.

    So far, the Region has confirmed 26 cases of the viral disease.

    A relocation plan by the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly is being put in place to accommodate the close to 1,000 market women.

    Our correspondent, Tanko Mohammed Rabiu, reports that some of the women were arrested by the police.

    Source: 3 News

  • Ahafo REGSEC extends closure of market centers by two more weeks

    Ahafo REGSEC extends the closure of weekly market centers for another two weeks and lifts ban on Pragia with strict measures.

    A fortnight ago, the Ahafo Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in fraternization with Council of Ahafo Chiefs and Municipal District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) had an emergency meeting on how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the region.

    In a unanimous decision, the REGSEC closed down all weekly market centers and banned the operations of all tricycles (Pragia) in the region. This decision affected all the six districts within the Ahafo enclave; the Tano North Municipality, Tano South Municipality, Asunafo North Municipality, Asutifi South District, Asutifi North District and Asunafo South District.

    The two weeks closure and ban took effect from Monday, April 27, 2020 and is expected to expire on Monday, May 11, 2020.

    Market women, consumers, Pragia riders and passengers are in a total pool of dilemma, whether there will be an extension or not.

    With four thousand and twelve (4,012) cases, three hundred and twenty-three (323) recoveries and eighteen deaths in Ghana so far, the president of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been commended globally on the fight against the deadly Coronavirus.

    On Friday, May 8, 2020, the Ahafo Regional Security Council, MMDCs and all Paramount chiefs within the region held a meeting at the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council.

    The meeting was geared towards how to strengthen all the measures put in place to help the fight against the spread of the virus. So far, the region has not recorded a single case.

    The closure of weekly market centers and ban on ‘pragia’ were not left aside. Upon a deeper deliberations on the closure of weekly market centers, the Deputy Ahafo Regional Minister who doubles as member of Parliament for Tano South, Hon. Benjamin Yeboah Sekyere briefed the media on behalf of Ahafo REGSEC on what necessitated the extension of the closure of weekly market centers and the lift of ban on ‘pragia’.

    The Deputy Minister stated emphatically that, the REGSEC has been able to come out with some strict measures to control all the daily market centers in the region by ensuring proper social distancing and compulsory wearing of nose mask before entering the market place.

    He further stated that, the ban on ‘pragia’ has been lifted up with strict measures on their operations while the closure of weekly market has been extended for another two weeks.

    ‘Aboboyaa’ riders are only permitted to carry goods only.

    All Paramount Chiefs, security personnel and the entire REGSEC supported the call of the extension of the closure of all market centers.

    Hon. Benjamin Sekyere laid an emphasized that, all ‘Pragia’ riders are to take two passengers only.

    It is compulsory for all the riders and passengers to wear nose masks. The police service and task force shall ensure the enforcement. All commercial vehicle drivers are to wear mask too.

    The REGSEC came into a consensus that, ‘pragia’ riders are to provide hand sanitisers and sanitise their passengers before they set off.

    Source: France Agyapong Nimpong, Contributor

  • Coronavirus: Assin Fosu adopts shift system for traders at town market

    The Assin Fosu Municipal Assembly has introduced a colour-coded shift system for traders at the Assin Fosu Town and Station market in a bid to prevent overcrowding amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

    In a brief meeting on May 04, 2020, the Assin Fosu Municipal Environmental Officer, Mr. Agyare Emmanuel, said the shift system was agreed on after a meeting with all Market queens and the Municipal Security Council.

    He said each of the two shifts will be identified by a uniquely designed card in red or blue colours.

    Per the arrangement, traders will be grouped into two categories and each
    the group identified by one of the colours.

    “Only traders with the cards will be allowed to trade in the market henceforth; one group will go on Tuesday while the other group will go on Friday”.

    Mr. Agyare stressed that, any trader who will flout the rules will be banned from selling at the market.

    The queen mothers on behalf of the traders welcomed the policy and pledged to abide by it.

    Source: GNA

  • Obuasi Central Market shut down over coronavirus

    The Obuasi Municipal assembly has closed the Obuasi Central Market to enforce social distancing directive in the wake of COVID-19.

    Two other markets have also been shut down by the authorities.

    The municipal assembly has also directed all drinking spot operators to close down their shops effective this morning.

    The assembly has also directed residents in the community to compulsorily wear nose mask.

    The Municipal Chief Executive of Obuasi Elijah Adansi Bonah announced these directives while addressing a news conference in the municipality to outdoor new measures adopted by the Assembly in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

    The move became needful after cases of the virus started rising in the Municipality. Obuasi is currently the epicentre of the virus in the Ashanti Region which with 47 positive cases.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Diaso weekly market days suspended over social distancing

    The Upper Denkyirah West District Assembly in consultation with the District Security Council (DISEC) has suspended the Diaso Wednesday Market day until further notice.

    The action is to enforce proper social distancing in the market particularly on the market days.

    Mr. Agyemang Asiedu, the District Chief Executive (DCE) in an interview with Ghana News Agency, said the Diaso weekly market accommodates traders from the nearby Regions and District who have reported cases of the COVID19.

    He mentioned that traders from Amenfi Central and West, Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai, Sefwi Wiawso, Amenfi East and others come to the Diaso Wednesday Market which has made it difficult for the assembly to enforce the social distancing protocols, hence the suspension.

    Mr Asiedu said the assembly has put in place measures to ensure all the COVID- 19 directives and protocols were observed, especially social distancing at markets.

    He said traders were initially educated to ensure the markets were not crowded in compliance with the social distancing protocols, but it never worked, hence the decision to suspend the market days.

    Mr. Asiedu Agyemang advised, the people to adhere to all the directives, warning that anyone caught flouting the arrangement would face the rigours of the law.

    He said “The security services would partner the assembly to ensure compliance of the directives to fight the COVID-19“.

    He said though the district has not recorded any case yet, it would still adhere to all the protocols put in place and urged all, especially passengers and traders to wear nose masks, use hand sanitizers and ensure social distancing.

    Source: GNA

  • Eyes on the Ground: Social distancing order thrown out at Ashaiman street market

    Coronavirus cases soar by the day in Ghana, yet residents of some communities have blatantly refused to abide by the social distancing order given by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    People are gradually beginning to normalize the acts of going out and about their usual routines after the three-week lockdown was lifted, as though the deadly coronavirus had disappeared into thin air.

    A video shared with GhanaWeb from the Ashaiman street market, shows a rather worrying trend of commuters and traders going about their normal activities with absolutely no regard for social distancing on Sunday 3rd May 2020. The streets were bustling with brisk business as it would on an ordinary day.

    The most worrying issue is that very few people were captured wearing nose masks or any form of protection.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ahafo Region closes weekly market centers and bans tricycles

    The Coronavirus pandemic keeps on disturbing the world in so many ways. Millions are dying globally, tens of thousands are being infected daily while the negative economic impact cannot be overlooked and thwarted.

    The closure of non-essential services has brought an untold hardship to the destitute in many societies. However, life is more important than material gains therefore, taking precautionary measures is very key.

    The Ahafo Regional Security Council, led by the Regional Minister, Hon. Evans Opoku Bobie (MP) organised stakeholders consultative meeting on how to strengthen measures to help curb the spread of the deadly virus.

    After a deeper deliberation on the negative effects of the actions of some deviant traders, it was unanimously agreed that, all Weekly Market centres in the region must be close down with effect from Monday. 27th April, 2020 for the next two weeks.

    Some of the towns which observe weekly markets are Goaso, Mim, Kukuom, Hwidiem, Kenyasi, Bechem, Duayaw Nkwanta etc

    This will help the region to stop the spread of Covid 19.

    MMDCEs, Health Authorities, Security Services, Traditional leaders, Government officials etc consented to this decision by the region.

    The region has also ban all tricycles popularly known as PRAGYIA in the region with effect from the same date, Monday. 27th April, 2020.

    The Police service and other security Authorities have been tasked by the Ahafo Regional Security Council to enforce this new convention. Failure to comply by these directives will lead to prosecution of offenders.

    The Ahafo Region is among the regions which has not recorded a single case of the Carcinogenic Coronavirus pandemic.

    Hon. Evans Opoku Bobie, who is the Regional Minister and doubles as the Member of Parliament for Asunafo North Constituency disclosed to Cash Media that, the decision is bitter sweet but everyone must obey it as such.

    It is very imperative to note that, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidelines to all Countries which includes, mandatory quarantine, repatriations of citizens and preparedness at workplaces.

    WHO is also working with a network of experts to coordinate regional surveillance efforts, epidemiology, modelling, diagnostics, clinical care treatment and other ways to identify, manage the disease and limit widespread transmission globally?

    The Regional Health Director, Mr Boakye Boateng urged all individuals to observe physical distancing in all their endeavours as part of the measures to reduce the spread of the Pernicious pandemic.

    The wearing of nose mask shouldn’t be a joke at all. “A nose mask is a must”. He stated.

    A decision was made that proper screening of travellers shall be intensify in the region.

    Source: Francis Agyapong Nimpong, Contributor

  • Coronavirus: Traders storm Ayawaso East HQ, demand reopening of Nima market

    Traders at the Nima market have stormed the headquarters of the Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly demanding the reopening of the market.

    The traders who were in their hundreds are appealing to the assembly to reopen the market for them to able to make sales and feed their families.

    The assembly closed the market on Wednesday after traders were seen flouting the Covid-19 safety protocols.

    The decision was taken after Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly Security Council meeting.

    Some of the traders who spoke to Citi FM said they should be allowed to go back to the market.

    “I bought a lot of things, garden eggs about GHC900 and Okro GHC800, and they are all going bad. But they are asking us to stay home again but we are not selling marijuana.”

    “At least they should consider us to let us unsell our goods then we can comply with the law but now we are dying because almost three weeks no work,” another trader added.

    The assembly said they will only reopen the market after meeting with the stakeholders in the market.

    Municipal Coordinating Director Nii Armah Ashitey explained that the conclusion of their meeting with the traders’ associations in the market will inform the next line of action.

    “Traders have refused to abide by the COVID-19 safety protocols, we will meet the stakeholders because what we foresee is that base on this they will come and see us. We will have a discussion with them, so at the moment I can say when it will be, but based on the discussion that we have here and what conclusions the will come after.”

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Coronavirus: Bolgatanga market days take a new trend

    Traders at the Bolgatanga Market have taken a new trend in carrying out their businesses in markets in the Municipality since the Municipal Assembly gave a directive for closure of the markets in order to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    A visit by the Ghana News Agency to the Ayia market, which is the old market and the new market in the Bolgatanga Township, a day after the official market day saw traders doing brisk business flouting the social distance protocols for which reason the markets were shut down about 10 days ago.

    Some traders in the market who did not want to give their identities said traders from neighbouring communities usually arrived with their goods in the evenings of the official markets days to sell their wares the next day, which is a non-market day.

    To this end, the market days, which come every three days have gradually taken a new trend since the off market days are becoming more brisk with business, characterized by the usual crowding and bustle of market days.

    Madam Ayuriinga Nsoh, a visitor to the market expressed concern about the crowding in the market said: “there seems to be a change in the Bolgatanga market day calendar”.

    The Markets were closed down about 10 days ago by the Assembly for fear that traders not adhering to social distancing and disregarding the COVID-19 protocols laid down by the President, would aid the spread of the virus in the municipality.

    Source: gna

  • COVID-19: Techiman market to be closed over lack of social distancing

    The Authorities at the Techiman Municipal Assembly in the Bono East Region have announced plans to temporarily close the Techiman Main Market to curb the spread of COVID-19.

    The temporary closure of the market takes effect from Wednesday, 22nd April 2020.

    The Municipal Chief Executive for Techiman, John Donyina speaking to the media said: “The assembly has made some alternative arrangement to use school parks and some open spaces in town as satellite markets for the various groupings which will be on shift systems to give proper meaning to the social distancing protocol.”

    This forms part of measures put in place by the assembly to deal with a possible outbreak of COVID-19 as traders across the country visit the market weekly.

    “It is imperative that we take action now to protect the most vulnerable groups within the municipality. In view of this, the Techiman Security Council with Techiman Traditional Council and other stakeholders on Friday, 17 April 2020, having taken cognisance of how fast the virus could spread to the individuals has decided that the Techiman Market be closed temporarily,” he said.

    Earlier warning

    The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama had earlier warned of an imminent closure of markets where vendors fail to comply with social distancing directives.

    According to her, the need to enforce all relevant protocols to contain the spread of COVID-19 will be paramount in all dealings with the market vendors in the wake of the pandemic.

    This follows nationwide disinfection of markets.

    Affected markets

    Traders at the Dr Mensah section of the Kumasi Central Market, Kpando and its environs in the Volta Region,  Kasoa New and Old Markets were closed temporarily.

    The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly converted the Takoradi Jubilee Park into a market as a measure to enforce social distancing at the Takoradi Market Circle.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

     

  • Dambai market, three others shut down against coronavirus

    The Dambai market in the Krachi East Municipality and Grubi, Chinderi and Borae markets in the Krachi Nchumuru District of the Oti Region have been closed down to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus.

    The closure of the markets was announced by Dasebre Atamafowiese Kwame II, Omanhene of Chonke Traditional Area and was necessitated by the recent nine recorded cases of the COVID-19 in the Volta Region.

    Dasebre Atamafowiese told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the decision to close down the markets was adopted after an emergency meeting between the Traditional leaders and the District Chief Executives of Krachi Nchumuru and Krachi East.

    He said traders from other COVID-19 hit areas, which were not under lockdown were likely to come to the markets if they were not close down, which could lead to the spread of the disease.

    The Omanhene urged other Paramount chiefs to collaborate with the various District and Municipal Assemblies in the Oti Region to adopt measures that would help fight against the pandemic.

    Mr Patrick Jilima Chartey, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Krachi East said the traders in the markets were not observing the social distancing protocol, thus the need to shut them down to limit the spread of the virus.

    He said the Assembly was putting other safety measures in place to ensure that the Municipality did not record any case of the novel coronavirus.

    The MCE urged the people to adhere to the World Health Organization’s safety protocols of washing hands regularly under running water, cover their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing and avoid social gathering.

    Source: GNA

  • Akim Oda central market adopts segmentation of trading

    The Birim Central Municipality in the Eastern Region as a measure to ensure effective social distancing at the markets has employed market segmentation to control the large number of people at the various markets in the municipality.

    The decision was arrived at when the Municipal Security Council (MuSeC) considered the proposal of Market Management Committee, COVID-19 Task Force and other stakeholders engaged in a decongestion exercise at Akim Oda Central Market.

    The members of MuSeC therefore agreed to segregate the number of food vendors at the central market to places like the Old Town Park and Kumasi station.

    Madam Akua Dansoa, the queen mother of cassava traders at the Akim Oda Central Market in an interaction with the media said, the segmentation would help reduce contact and congestion at the market to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

    Madam Victoria Adu, the Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive said the Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the security services in the municipality would soon mount barriers at vantage points to check passengers travelling in and out of the municipality.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: Dodowa market to be closed over disregard for social distancing

    Operations at the Dodowa market in the Shai-Osudoku District of Accra are expected to come to a halt for a period of one week due to overcrowding at the market in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

    This will take effect from Monday, April 20 to Saturday, April 27, 2020.

    Activities will, however, resume on Monday, April 28, 2020.

    A statement from the Shai-Osudoku District Joint Committee noted that this decision was taken because “the measures instituted to maintain social distancing among other protocols to contain the spread of the COVID-19 in the Dodowa market are not yielding the intended results.”

    Giving more clarification, the statement continued: “Even though the market women are adhering to the shift system announced in our previous measures issued to decongest the market, it has been observed that the closure of markets in the La Nkwantanang and other municipalities has led to heavy and uncontrollable patronage of the Dodowa market raising serious concerns and therefore defeating the intended purpose of the shift system.”

    The closure of the market is to “allow time for the Joint Committee and the market stakeholders to rethink and implement alternative strategies to serve the best interest of the general public during this period of coronavirus.”

    The Joint Committee concluded by apologising to the public for any inconvenience caused.

    Closure of markets

    Several markets in the country have been shut down because traders defied the social distancing directive in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

    Among the many closed down in the Greater Accra Region are the Ashaiman Central, Mandela, and CMB markets.

    Shops at Adum market in the Ashanti Region have also been closed to ensure compliance with lockdown directives and prevent overcrowding due to panic buying.

    The Ketu South Municipal Assembly in the Volta Region has also announced the temporary closure of all markets in the municipality for the same reason.

    Previous warning

    The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama had earlier warned of an imminent closure of markets if vendors fail to comply with social distancing directives.

    According to her, the need to enforce all relevant protocols to contain the spread of COVID-19 will be paramount in all dealings with the market vendors in the wake of the pandemic.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Coronavirus: Fanteakwa North shuts two markets after farmer tests positive

    The Fanteakwa North District Security Council (DISEC) has directed for the closure of two major food market centres in the District.

    The closure of the two market centers-Ahomahomaso and Begoro takes effect from April 15, 2020.

    The decision taken during an emergency meeting by DISEC chaired by Charles Oware Tweneboah, District Chief Executive for the area on Monday is among measures being implemented to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the District after a 65-year-old mango farmer tested positive.

    The 65-year-old farmer on April 5, 2020, accompanied by his wife reported at the Begoro Hospital and was admitted at the male ward on account of query tuberculosis but on the following day, he developed dyspnea and fever of about 41 degree Celsius. His sample was taken to Noguchi which tested positive. It is not clear how the farmer came into contact with the disease.

    Currently, dozens of exposed Staff at the Begoro Government Hospital in the Eastern Region have been quarantined.

    Also quarantined are patients who were on admission with the contact at the Male Ward of the Hospital.

    The affected persons are being quarantined in guesthouses and Hotels. Samples of the affected staff have been taken for testing at Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

    The Male ward of the Hospital has since been shut down for fumigation

    A medical Team on Monday stormed Addokrom, the farming community where the Farmer lives to trace and take samples of contacts for testing.

    All contacts identified including the wife of the man have also been quarantined.

    Coronavirus cases in Eastern Region have hit 32 with a large majority of the cases detected among railway construction workers at Kpong in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality.

    This makes the region third highest after Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions which have recorded 452 and 49 cases respectively.

    The national tally stands at 566 with 8 deaths.

     

    Source: Starrfmonline.com

  • Juapong Market closed down as cooronavirus bites in neighbouring Eastern Region

    The popular Juapong Market in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region has been closed down with immediate effect, the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) has said.

    The council also says discussions are underway with Municipal and District Assemblies to find lasting solutions on ways to enforce social distancing protocols during market days.

    This has become necessary following the increase in COVID-19 case count in the Eastern Region — which shares boundaries with the Volta Region.

    Unlike the Eastern region — which has recorded 23 cases —the Volta region is yet to record a case of the deadly COVID-19 virus.

    In a statement dated April 10, the Volta Regional Coordinating Council outlined a number of measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

    The statement said for instance that passengers who are entering the Volta region through parts of the North Tongu, South Tongu and North Dayi districts would be screened by medics.

    “A multidisciplinary task force has been put in place to ensure that all private and commercial vehicles stick to the prescribed regulations”, the VRCC said.

    Source: dailymailgh.com

  • Coronavirus: KoKMA undertakes market segregation

    Nii Adjei Tawiah, Korle Klottey Municipal Chief Executive, together with other officials from the Assembly have embarked on a demarcation exercise at the Adabraka market to ensure that traders adhere to social distancing.

    The market segregation exercise was to ensure that not all traders would be at the market at all times but just a few at a particular time.

    Addressing the traders Nii Tawiah indicated that, the assembly had observed that the traders were not adhering to the social distancing protocol which could help in halting the spread of COVID-19.

    He said this was not the time for talking but time for the laws to be enforced to help halt the spread and ensure that everyone was safe.

    “The virus is no respecter of persons and it does not know about market days or not. The way you go about your normal business claiming today and tomorrow are your market days, if we are not careful we would be doing more harm than good to ourselves and the Assembly would not just sit and watch. We are taking action now,” he said.

    He, therefore, advised the traders not to ignore any of the precautionary measures outlined by the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to ensure they are safe and healthy.

    Mr Bernard Yingura, the Coordinating Director of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly said for some time now they had been in constant communication with the leadership of the market to discuss ways of implementing and observing social distancing in the market.

    Source: GNA

  • Korle-Klottey Municipal Assembly announces closure of CMB Market

    The Korele-Klottey Municipal Assembly on Thursday announced that the Cocoa Marketing Board (CMB) Market in Accra will be closed from midnight on Thursday due to non-adherence to COVI-19 protocols especially the two-metre social distancing.

    “Any trader from today midnight found trading will be made to face the full rigorous of the law by paying GHC12, 000.00 or serve a term of four years imprisonment as indicated in the law”.

    Mr Samuel Nii Adjei Tawiah, Municipal Chief Executive of Korke-Klottey who made the announcement said, the Assembly as a team advised and cautioned the market women to exercise a new trend of market attendance by traders on a rotational basis.

    He said that was to ensure that enough space existed to reduce overcrowding between traders and buyers in order to exercise the social distancing protocols.

    But the MCE in his announcement stated that the assembly’s visits to the market revealed that they were not adhering to the protocols and were recalcitrant towards exercising the social distancing.

    He said some of them even moved onto the main roads to display their goods against the rules of engagement.

    Mr Tawiah said the Assembly would now provide the market women with Identification Cards with colours of the National Flag, Red, Yellow and Green to indicate a shift system of trading in the market to ensure the COVID-19 protocols were observed.

    He called on the market women to adhere to the closure directive for their personal safety.

    One of the market women, Madam Naa Ayele in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said, “Only a few of us were observing the COVID-19 protocols, but pleaded with the assembly to reconsider its decision and open the market.”

    She said upon opening the market, the assembly could constantly visit there to arrest and prosecute the recalcitrant traders who refused to exercise the protocols of the COVID-19.

    This she said would ensure that traders respected the protocols to save themselves from being infected with the virus.

    Source: GNA

  • Eyes on the Ground: Redco Market turns ‘mad house’ after Madina market shuts down

    Barely 24 hours after the Madina market was shut down by the municipal authorities for non-compliance by traders and consumers, the Bohye market has become the target for shopping of basic amenities.

    A video recorded by a twitter user, @akyaa_danqz exposed the spate of rushed patronage at the market by consumers and head porters, notably referred to as ‘kayayei.’

    The incident which occurred Wednesday morning saw several people throwing caution to the wind and failing to adhere to the social distancing directive and massing up in crowds.

    The incident raised a lot of concerns about the spread of the deadly Coronavirus since such defiance was what led to the closure of the Madina Markets in the first place.

    The La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly announced the closure of the Madina main market for trading activities until further notice on Monday.

    The affected areas included Doku, Nkulenu, Market Drive, Asante & Asante, and Nkwantanang Roads, the Market Loading Bay, Car park and the Main Market.

    The members of the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) arrived at the decision due to the failure of traders to adhere to the social distancing protocols issued by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    The Municipal Chief Executive of the area. Jennifer Dede Afagbedzi, in a statement, explained that the decision was made due to the continuous abuse of the safety precaution which would, in the long run, have dire consequences on the control of the Coronavirus pandemic in the country.

    As an alternative, the municipal assembly directed that Bohye market be patronised and used by the traders and consumers.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Jealous girlfriend sets wood market ablaze

    Fire, allegedly started by a jealous girlfriend at the Zabrama Wood Market at Agbogbloshie, Accra, has left more than 400 people in the area homeless.

    The angry girlfriend, who is yet to be arrested, is said to have set fire to the house of her boyfriend whom she accused of abandoning her and two other women (after impregnating them) and harbouring another woman in his house.

    Last Tuesday (April 7, 2020), the angry woman allegedly mobilised the two other women and approached the man, resulting in a confrontation during which one of the women set the room on fire.

    Properties worth thousands of Ghana cedis were destroyed during the fire, which started at about 1:50 a.m. and lasted for about three hours before the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) could douse it.

    Structure destroyed

    When the Daily Graphic visited the area later in the day, some policemen were spotted patrolling the area but the fire service personnel had already left the scene.

    It was observed that the entire wood market and adjoining wooden structures, serving as residence for over 400 people, were completely razed to the ground.

    Other structures, including a mosque, were also affected.

    Clashes

    The Head of the Operations Unit of the Accra Regional Police Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mr Kwesi Ofori, said the police received information at about 1:55 a.m. about a fire outbreak at the Zabrama Wood Market at Agbogbloshie.

    He said when the fire engines of the GNFS arrived at the scene, the haphazard arrangement of structures in the area made it difficult for the trucks to access the scene, compelling the firefighters to aim at the fire from a far distance.

    ACP Ofori confirmed that the police had also picked up information that the fire was started by a jealous woman but the information was yet to be authenticated.

    Later, some youth who belong to one of the ethnic groups in the area and who lost their property to the inferno, allegedly went on the rampage, attacking residents from the said ethnic group after learning that it was caused by a woman from another ethnic group.

    The intervention of the police led to the evacuation of some youth to avert a breach of the peace in the area.

    ACP Ofori said about five police patrol teams were deployed to the scene to bring the situation under control and also help in the evacuation of some vulnerable persons, including the aged, women and children, to safety, while the fire service doused the fire.

    The Regional Police Operations Unit head said he was “happy that no lives were lost even though the fire started at dawn when many people in the affected area were sleeping.”

    He said the police would continue to be on the ground to ensure that criminals did not take advantage of the situation.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • COVID-19: Zoomlion, Local Government Ministry disinfect 2,585 markets in 13 regions (Photos)

    Since the first reported case of the coronavirus in Ghana, there has been several interventions from both government and the private sector all aimed at combating against the spread of the pandemic and managing conditions of the infected persons.

    In view of this, the Local Government and Rural Development Ministry in collaboration with its major partner in the environmental sanitation management sector, Zommlion Ghana Limited has embarked on a massive disinfection program dubbed: National Disinfection Exercise to disinfect all markets, streets and some neighborhood across the country.

    The exercise was first started in Accra but moves to 12 other regions where markets in various municipal and district assemblies across the region were disinfected totaling 2,585.

     

    Source: David Andoh  

  • Coronavirus fight: Markets in Oti disinfected

    A total of 60 markets in the Oti Region have been fumigated against COVID 19.

    The exercise was done by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development with support from Zoomlion Ghana Limited, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and the security services under the supervision of the Coordinating Council and local Assemblies.

    Compliance level was high with all shops closed for the success of the exercise, which lasted for close to seven hours.

    At Jasikan, a total of 24 market centres and lorry stations were disinfected whilst 12 were disinfested at Krachi East and 11 at Biakoye.

    The Nkwanta South Municipal had 10 markets, Nkwanta North District five markets, Krachi Nchumuru District, eight markets, Krachi West District four, Kadjebi District four and SALL, four markets fumigated.

    Mr Andrews Okuma Nawil, Oti Regional Coordinating Director commended the team for a good job done.

    Some markets women and businessmen who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) commended the Government for the foresight and appealed for the exercise to be regularised.

     

    Source: GNA

  • CIDAN market research for March 27, 2020

    The stock market closed weaker in the review week as the laggards outpaced the gainers. The GSE Composite Index (GSE CI) shed 18.50 points (-0.85%) to close at 2,160.52 points, compared to 2,179.02 points at the close of the previous week.

    This translates into a year-to-date (YTD) loss of 4.28%. The GSE Financial Stocks Index also shed 26.57 points to close the week at 1,925.60 points, increasing its YTD loss to 4.66%.

    Market capitalization decreased by 0.34% for the week from GH¢56,186.91 million at the close of the previous week to GH¢55,995.00 million at the close of the week. This represents YTD decline of 1.40%.

    There was less activity on the market compared with that of the preceding week. A total of 218,630 shares, valued at GH¢288,234.18 changed hands for the week, compared with 1,427,692 shares valued at GH¢767,271.37 recorded in the preceding week.

    ETI and UNIL dominated volume and value of shares traded for the week respectively. ETI accounted for 30.31% (66,262 shares) of total volume of shares traded and UNIL accounted for 14.28% (GH¢41,166.00) of total value of shares traded for the week.

    The market closed on Friday with seven laggards and no advancer for the week. Ghana Oil Company Limited led the laggards. Its share price closed at GH¢1.62 from GH¢1.70 (-4.71%) at week open. Thirty-three (33) counters remained flat at the closing bell on Friday.

    The graphs and table below highlight activity on the market during the week.

    CURRENCY MARKET

    The Cedi weakened against the USD for the fifth straight week. It traded at GH¢5.4377/$ on Friday, compared with GH¢5.3603/$ at week open, reflecting w/w depreciation and YTD appreciation of 1.42% and 1.77% respectively against the USD. This compares with YTD depreciation of 5.18% a year ago.

    The Cedi also weakened against the Euro on the week. It traded at GH¢5.9988/€, compared with GH¢5.7528/€ at week open, reflecting w/w depreciation and YTD appreciation of 4.10% and 3.54% respectively against the Euro. This compares with YTD depreciation of 3.42% a year ago.

    The Cedi likewise weakened against the GBP on the week. It traded at GH¢6.7042/£, compared with GH¢6.3249/£ at week open, reflecting w/w depreciation and YTD appreciation of 5.66% and 9.13% respectively against the GBP. This compares with YTD depreciation of 6.73% a year ago.

    The Cedi again strengthened against the CAD for the week. It opened at GH¢3.7360/C$ but closed at GH¢3.8612/C$, reflecting w/w depreciation and YTD appreciation of 3.24% and 10.54% respectively against the CAD. This compares with YTD depreciation of 7.07% a year ago.

    GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MARKET

    Government raised a total of GH¢743.38 million in the week under review across the 91-Day, 182-Day and 364-Day Treasury Bills. This compared with GH¢1,141.36 million raised in the previous week.

    The 91Day, 182-Day and 364-Day Bills shed 11bps, 3bps and 15bps to settle at 14.64%, 15.15% and 17.65% respectively.

    COMMODITY MARKET

    Gold futures dipped on Friday but notched its best weekly gain in almost 12 years, despite a cash out of part of its gains by some investors. Gold futures settled at US$1,625.00 per ounce on Friday, reflecting w/w and YTD gains of 9.46% and 6.84% respectively.

    Oil prices weakened for the fifth straight week amid fear of further slowdown in demand resulting from increasing global economic lockdowns and a Saudi-Russia price war. Brent futures traded at US$24.93 a barrel on Friday, reflecting w/w and YTD losses of 7.60% and 62.23% respectively.

    Prices of Cocoa strengthened for the week. Cocoa futures settled at US$2,257.00 per tonne on Friday, reflecting w/w gain and YTD loss of 1.21% and 11.14% respectively.

    Source: cidaninvestments.com

  • Fire guts Onion Market at Old Fadama

    More than fifty wooden structures had been gutted by fire at “Onion Market” at Old Fadama in Accra on Monday dawn in Accra.

    The fire which was said to have started at about 2:15 a.m also destroyed empty onion sacks, quantities of bags of rice, bags of salt and other properties running into hundreds of Ghana cedis.

    No casualty was recorded and the cause of fire unknown.

    Four fire tenders from South Industrial Area and other fire stations were deployed to help douse raging fire.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Accra Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Effia Tenge confirmed these to the Ghanaian Times in Accra yesterday.

     

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • 110 markets, lorry stations shut for disinfection in Upper West Region

    A total of 110 market places and lorry stations are currently benefiting from the national spraying exercise introduced by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in collaboration with Zoomlion Ghana Limited as a measure to eradicate bacteria and virus.

    The Municipal Chief Executive of Wa, Tahiru Isahaku Moomin while addressing the media prior to the commencement of the exercise in the Upper West Regional capital, Wa said a total of 110 markets and lorry stations will benefit from the exercise.

    He said all arrangements have been put in place for a successful programme including a clean up exercise on Thursday before, the markets are re-opened for the public.

    Already, similar exercises have been undertaken in the Great Accra Region, Ashanti Region and the Bono Regions all geared towards enhancing hygienic conditions in the markets in order to contain and prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • South Tongu District Assembly implements market reforms to prevent spread of Coronavirus

    The two busiest and major markets in the South Tongu District namely; Sogakope and Dabala markets to be observed now on a daily basis as a measure to avoid the overcrowding that hits the two major markets when it is a market day. Traditionally, the two markets days used to be observed every five days.

    The decision was reached yesterday, March 26 by a Market Days Implementation Committee which was set up by the District Chief Executive of the constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Louis Agama.

    According to the DCE, the change in the market observation days in the the district became necessary because of the overcrowding situation that always characterize major markets meanwhile, overcrowding is what is being advised against in this time of the deadly coronavirus.

    The DCE also revealed that he and the team will be on the airwaves soon to educate the citizens and markets, men and women, on the new changes and its importance in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

    Members of the committee who arrived at the decision include; the Assembly Members, Unit Committees representatives, market queens, traditional leaders; representatives from both towns, the Revenue Supervisor of the District Assembly, the District Assembly Covid-19 Task Force chairperson, the District Director of Health, and an official from the District Police and Fire Services.

    The DCE has however, charged the Market Days Implementation Committee members to work assiduously to ensure the sustainability of the market reform system in the district.

    He further explained to the committee members that, this reform will not only enhance a higher revenue collection but also to enable the assembly meet it revenue target resulting in accelerated infrastructure development in the district.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Otuasekan Rural Bank educates market women on Coronavirus

    The Otuasekan Rural Bank, at Kofiase, in the Asante Mampong Municipality, has embarked on a campaign programme to sensitize market women on the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

    Dr. Prince Stephen Adom-Attakora, Board Chairman of the bank told the Ghana News Agency, that the educational campaign was to support the government in educating the public on preventive measures to prevent the spread of the diseases.

    He said the measure was to support government’s directives to control the spread of the disease.

    Dr Adom-Attakora pointed out that rural market women and smallholder farmers were the backbone of the bank and so there was the need to educate them adequately to take preventive measures to protect themselves from the virus.

    He stressed the need for rural dwellers to be well educated on the disease and the mode of transmission as well as the preventive measures they must adopt to avoid contracting it.

    Mr. Eric Ofori, Head of the Microfinance Department of the bank said mobile bankers have been trained to educate the market women on the need to wash their hands and use hand sanitizers frequently.

    He said the bank had provided protective clothing to its staff in all branches as well as water, soap and sanitizers for customers to wash their hands after transacting business at the bank.

    Source: GNA

  • GNPC supplies market women in WR with Veronica buckets and others materials

    The GNPC Foundation has distributed 140 Veronica buckets, 1860 Sanitizers, soaps, tissues paper and dustbins to 10 market centres in the Western and Western North Regions.

    The distribution, forms part of the Foundation’s corporate social investment in these critical times of Coronavirus as the country, individuals and corporations were on board to end the spread of the virus.

    Dr Dominic Eduah, the Executive Secretary of the GNPC Foundation, during the distribution at the Takoradi market circle said improving hygiene in the wake of the virus was Paramount, hence the decision to support markets in particular, where interface and interaction on a daily basis were immeasurable.

    Ms Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture lauded the Foundation for supporting government’s initiative and encouraged all and sundry to pay attention to proper Hand-washing, a key controlling measure of the spread or contraction of the virus.

    “Sanitizers are important, but use them only in the absence of soap and water and besides that, wash your hands after three or five times of applying Sanitizers”, the Minister added.

    Mr Anthony K.K. Sam, the Metropolitan Chief Executive of Sekondi/Takoradi tasked the market women to endeavour to allow their children to stay at home since they were most vulnerable.

    He said, “We may be attempted to arrest all parents who bring their children to the market to trade”.

    Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Omanhene of Essikado Traditional area demonstrated how proper handwashing should be done.

    Source: GNA

  • Ho market women appeal for more handwashing stations

    Market women in the Ho Central Market have appealed to the Ho Municipal Assembly for more hand washing stations in the Market to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

    The Market, which has four gates and accessed by thousands of people daily, had only two handwashing station and one dust bin donated by the Ho Municipal Assembly to help prevent the spread of the virus.

    Mrs. Joyce Norvihoho, Ho Market Queen, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said each gate of the market needed at least two handwashing stations, and also appealed for refuse bins at other vantage points in the market.

    She said though market women had been advised to practice personal hygiene and self-hand washing regularly, the unavailability of the facilities would affect the campaign negatively.

    Mrs. Norvihoho said, “The market is where we all shop and meet, so it is good we have these items for all of us to use, so we are appealing to the Assembly and benevolent individuals and organisations to help provide the Market with more hand washing stations”.

    Mr. Prosper Pi-Bansa, Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), told GNA “the Assembly has few hand washing stations to distribute and will add more when available”.

    Source: GNA

  • Madina markets fumigated

    Markets within the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly were fumigated as part of the nationwide disinfection exercise being conducted by local government authorities.

    Mr Joseph Quacoe, the Municipal Environmental Health Officer, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said fumigating such areas is important as they easily become habitats for mosquitoes, rats, snakes and other disease vectors.

    He said the incidence of the novel coronavirus in the country also necessitated the disinfection exercise which was conducted on Monday morning and markets disinfected include the Madina VRA lorry station, the Madina Central Market, the New Road Market, the Madina Redco Market and stores around the Madina Zongo Junction.

    Mr Quacoe said the chemicals for the exercise were supplied by the Ministry of Local Government and the entire effort was supported by the Madina Police Command, the Ghana Armed Forces, Zoomlion Sprayers, the National Ambulance Service and the sanitation staff of the LaNkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly.

    He said six traders who refused to comply with the directive not to open their stores were arrested by the police.

    He said the entire effort was superintended by Madam Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, Deputy Regional Minister; she was assisted by Madam Jennifer Dede, the MCE for LaNkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly; and Mr Archibold Cobbena, the NADMO Regional Director.

    Source: GNA

  • Salaga market project to be completed by December 2020 AMA boss assures

    The woes of market women who once traded within the Salaga Market in Accra may soon come to an end as the promised reconstruction works at the old site are scheduled for completion this December.

    This is according to the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Mohammed Adjei Sowah.

    The Salaga Market has been in the news for having been abandoned, three years after structures there were demolished. A groundbreaking ceremony had already been held by the previous Mahama-led government for refurbishment works to begin.

    Speaking to Bernard Avle on the Citi Breakfast Show, the Accra Mayor among other things attributed the delay in undertaking the project on procurement challenges.

    “What we have done currently is that we have engaged the Coastal Development Authority and they have decided to put their money into the reconstruction. The contract has already been awarded but unfortunately, the PPA delayed a bit. However, we have begun clearing the site for the reconstruction. We are anticipating that the project will be done by the end of the year. That is the assurance I have gotten from the contractor.”

     

    Three years after sod-cutting, the Salaga market has seen no facelift.

    The market is still in a dilapidated state and the traders there are calling on the government to do something about it.

    Traders have been forced to operate along the streets of the old market. They are thus appealing for construction to begin, as the current state of affairs is creating a lot of inconveniences which affect their business.

    This has created heavy vehicular traffic with gutters surrounding the market getting choked with the slightest downpour.

    Some portions of the ruins at the old site are being occupied by churches, while others are serving as a hideout for drug peddlers and other recalcitrant individuals.

    Initially, the agreement towards the construction of the ultra-modern Salaga Market was fraught with conflict of interest and diverse challenges that barred the AMA from embarking on the project.

    The Salaga Market is one of the major markets within the Accra Metropolis which accommodates over 400 traders, and it is estimated that the proposed ultra-modern market would accommodate about a thousand traders upon completion.

    This is expected to increase the revenue generation base of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

     

    Source: citibusinessnews 

  • GAPFA condemns salmonella infested gizzard on Ghanaian market

    The Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association (GAPFA) has condemned the importation of salmonella infested gizzard onto the Ghanaian market, describing the act as mean.

    In a statement, GAPFA explained that salmonella poses serious health risks to the human kidney and liver, and as such, its consumption would have dire consequences for victims who patronize such bacterial infested gizzard.

    The GAPFA has since 2019, been advocating and campaigning for local poultry consumption, calling on government to assist and empower local poultry farmers to thrive.

    The Association has as well been strongly appealing to government for a regulated quota system to limit the almost 80 percent of poultry products imported into Ghana annually.

    GAPFA maintains that a well-structured quota system with market availability, would encourage local poultry producers to fill the gap and produce enough to feed all citizens.

    “If these gizzards were produced locally, it would be easier for the authorities to trace the producers and demand for accountability. It becomes more difficult to trace the culprits of the imported product” President of GAPFA, Mr. Michael Nyarko Ampem noted.

    Officials of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) have said it has intercepted one forty-footer container of salmonella infested gizzard at the Tema Port, after receiving a tip-off from authorities in Brazil where the gizzard was imported by two Ghanaian food import companies.

    The importers, however, were able to clear three of such containers ahead of the officials and have succeeded in getting the products into the market.

    Director of Veterinary Services Directorate at MoFA, Dr. Asiedu Baah who confirmed the incidence to the media, said, “Out of the four containers three have been cleared and we did a traceback and found out that indeed the importers have taken out three containers and sold the unwholesome products to the general public.”

    Albeit, the MoFA has filed a complaint to the BNI and it is awaiting sanctions and prosecutions.

    Meanwhile, the GAPFA is appealing to government to expedite investigations to bring the culprits to book.

    With a membership of about 700 poultry farmers, the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association, established in 1978 is the only poultry farmer association in Ghana with a feedmill.

    Source: goldstreetbusiness.com

  • NADMO has disappointed us Fosu market fire victims

    The Assin Fosu Market Women who lost their properties in a fire outbreak at Assin main market last December have expressed their disappointment in the Assin Fosu branch of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).

    They said the Organization had neglected them after it had inspected and recorded their lost properties in the inferno.

    Madam Patience Nyarko, a fashion designer and a victim of the fire sharing her disappointment, said all her sewing machines together with that of her apprentice and people’s clothes got burnt.

    She said the Municipal Assembly together with the NADMO came to take inventory of the disaster, but since then nothing has been heard or received from them.

    “We have been at home ever since because there has been no help whatsoever”.

    She, therefore, pleaded with the Municipal Assembly and the government to come to their aid for them to restart life again.

    The victim made this disclosure after Ghana Cooperative Fashion Designers and Beauticians Association donated an undisclosed amount of money and one sewing machine to her (Ms. Nyarko) at Assin Fosu.

    All the other victims expressed similar sentiments and called for support from the central government to enable them to make a living.

    Mr. John Essuman, the Central Regional President of the Association on behalf of the Association, encouraged the fire victims not to lose hope, but rather start life again because they could bounce back through hard work.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Record rains push up tomato prices in East Africa

    Tomato prices have hit a record high in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, making the staple food a luxury for many.

    Harvests have been smaller and poorer in quality because of prolonged heavy rains that led to flash floods, landslides, and the destruction of agricultural land.

    In Kenya, one tomato used cost about $0.05 (£0.04) but some shops have increased their prices seven-fold.

    Last year, swathes of East Africa experienced one of the wettest rainy seasons on record – with total rainfall four times higher than average, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department.

    With above average rainfall predicted across Kenya in the next few months, it is expected that prices of ready-made food will go up.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Market begins week on a low note as four counters decline

    The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) Composite Index closed 16.06 points (-0.71%) lower at 2,238.55 with a year-to-date return of -12.97% while market capitalization moderated by -0.29% at GH¢56.60 billion.

    The GSE Financial Index was down 26.08 points (-1.30%) to close at 1,985.02 with a -7.83% year-to-date return due to price depreciation in Standard Chartered (-3.61%) and Republic Bank (-10.91%).

    Losses in Guinness Ghana (-3.43%) and Starwin Products (-33.33%) tumbled the SAS Manufacturing Index by 16.06 points (-0.92%) to close at 3,481.52 with a -25.18% year-to-date return.

    Trading activity waned as 51,057 shares valued at GH¢14,441 changed hands compared to 81,675 shares valued at GH¢198,475 at the previous session. SIC Insurance dominated trades by volume, accounting for 46.03% of total volume traded while MTN Ghana dominated by value, accounting for 31.99% of the total value traded.

    We expect activity levels to increase at the next session.

    Source: SAS Ghana

  • NPP executives hijack stores at Kotokuraba, Abura markets Traders

    Some residents of Abura and Cape Coast in the Central Region have accused executives of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly allocating stores at the Kotokuraba and Abura markets in the metropolis only to members and sympathisers of their party.

    Some residents who spoke to Kwame Minkah, co-host of Dwaboase on Power 97.9 FMs broadcast event at Abura lamented what they described as “selective way” of sharing the stores in the state of the art markets.

    Read: Kejetia traders go wild on Regional Minister, beg Akufo-Addo to sack him

    The traders disclosed that before the construction of the Abura market, the second largest and busiest market in Cape Coast, under the erstwhile Mahama administration, some individuals registered with the city authorities for the stores, but the arrangement changed when the NPP government assumed power in 2017.

    “Some of us took the necessary steps to get our stores but the NPP executives have decided to allocate the stores to their cronies and people who supported their campaign,” one of the frustrated market women disclosed.

    Others who also spoke at the programme told Kwame they had made some financial commitment as is usually done but they are yet to get the stores, claiming they have been sidelined because they are not frontline members of the NPP.

    Notable among the names the residents mentioned was the Metropolitan Chief Executive of Cape Coast, Ernest Arthur, who they alleged is behind the allocation of the spaces.

    They further expressed their disappointment in the Akufo-Addo government for denying the rightful owners of the market they (the NPP) never constructed.

    Read: NDC government will complete Salaga market in 18 months Lante Vanderpuye

    About Abura Market

    The market, which is situated at Abura within the Cape Coast Metropolis, is a World Bank-sponsored Urban Development Grant project that started in 2014 under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

    It has about 88 lockable stores and modern sanitation facilities that would ease marketing in the coastal town.

    It was inaugurated in December 2017 when the NDC had exited power.

     

    Source: XYZ