The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has introduced a colour-coded shift system for traders at the central market in a bid to prevent overcrowding amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In a release issued on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, the KMA said the decision to run a shift system was taken after a meeting with all 67 trade associations at the market and the metropolitan security council.

Each of the three shifts will be identified by a uniquely designed card in red, gold and green colours.

Per the arrangement, some 5,825 traders in food items will be grouped into three categories, each group identified by one of the three colours.

“Only 1,942 members, dealing in all assorted commodities of all trade Associations shall be allowed to trade on each day,” according to the release.

Although, the Kumasi Central Market will be opened on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, it will only be to formalise arrangements for the shift system and no trading will be allowed to take place.

The Ashanti Region capital is part of the locations under the coronavirus lockdown, however, trading in food items is among activities exempted from the restriction on movement.

Ghana's coronavirus situation

Ghana’s coronavirus case count has risen sharply to 287, according to the latest update by Ghana Health Service late Monday, April 6, 2020.

At the last count, confirmed Covid-19 cases stood at 214, implying 73 new persons have tested positive for the deadly virus.

Follow live updates of Ghana's situation here.