Volta River Authority (VRA) is expected close down Akosombo and New Combine markets to curb the spread of coronavirus.

A letter dated April 11, 2020 and signed by Akosombo Management Committee Manager, Vivian J. Yebuah gave the directive.

“We wish to advise that the Akosombo and New Combine markets be closed effective 1:00 am Monday, April 13, 2020 until further notice,” the letter stated.

The letter referred to an emergency meeting held on March 19 and the recent situational report from the Eastern Regional Health Directorate on recorded cases of the disease in neighbouring Lower Manya Krobo Municipality.

One of the reasons for the closure is to prevent entry of traders from surrounding markets which have been closed.

VRA urged residents to make the necessary arrangements to stock up their requirement.

To monitor movement into Akosombo township, VRA in collaboration with security agencies are mounting barriers at Akosombo Textiles Ltd (ATL), New Combine junction and Marine road.

The company has urged all motorists and passengers to comply with the directives.

The Asuogyaman District Chief Executive, Samuel Agyekum has advised residents to heed to preventive measures which will help stem spread of the virus.

“There are over 20 cases recorded within Lower Manya and we must be on our guard,” he said.

“We are doing our best as a district to prevent it from getting in but COVD-19 has proven difficult to deal with in other places,” he remarked.

Ghana has recorded 566 cases and eight deaths with global confirmed cases being over 1.8 million and more than 113,000 deaths.