The West Akim Municipal Assembly in the Eastern region is closing the central business market and all stores transacting business in his area on Tuesday.

A communiqué from the MCE, Seth Oduro Boadu, said traders in the markers have repeatedly violated social distancing protocols amid the Covid-19 outbreak, necessitating the drastic measure.

“Social distancing , provision of veronica buckets ,soaps , face mask just to mention but few are all in not in adherence,” Mr Boadu’ office wrote.

The statement said the economic impact of closing the markets was considered in arriving at the decision.

Already, the Eastern region has recorded 32 cases of the new coronavirus disease, the third highest of the 10 regions which have recorded cases in the country.

Only six regions are yet to record cases, with calls for a nationwide lockdown gathering momentum.

In the meantime, Greater Accra and parts of the Ashanti and Central regions remain under lockdown with the police promising strict implementation of the restrictions.

The case count for Ghana as of Monday evening is 566 with eight fatalities and four recoveries.