The Central Business District in Obuasi has been closed down with effect from yesterday until further notice to enable management execute a well-planned shift system as authorities work to control the spread of the coronavirus (COVID -19) in the area.
The decision followed reports by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) that, the Obuasi town was leading in recorded COVID-19 cases in the Ashanti Region with 47 cases and one death.
In a press statement issued to the Ghanaian Times by the Obuasi Municipal Assembly and signed by the Chief Executive, Mr Elijah Adansi-Bonah, the decision was taken after a stakeholder meeting between management of the Obuasi Municipal and Obuasi East Assemblies, GHS, traditional authorities, AngloGold Ashanti Health Foundation, and security agencies among others on May 4, 2020.
According to the statement, the decision was part of the stringent measures to ensure that, the people of Obuasi observed the prescribed protocols espoused by the World Health Organisation and the GHS as authorities had come to realise that “most of the people in Obuasi do not believe in the existence of the virus, therefore fail to heed to the directives espoused by the President of the republic.”
Some of the measures taken to contain the spread of the virus in Obuasi include; the closure of all stores, sheds, stalls, shops including butcher hubs.
private and public institutions strictly ensuring the “No mask no entry policy,” mandatory wearing of masks by all at public places.
Others were that, identifiable drinking spots and pubs not allowing customers to gather at their premises, the strict adherence to the ban on gaming centers, night clubs and all sporting event.
Management is expected to supply market operators and traders with identification cards to determine their turn on the shift system as individual hawkers would not be allowed to operate in the central business district during the period.
During this period, the security agencies are expected to enforce the strict adherence to the measures in the town.
FROM FAUSTINA KWABEA OSEI, KUMASI
