News
Sekondi-Takoradi markets to be closed till June 3
Major markets in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis will be closed from today (Thursday) to Wednesday, June 3, 2020.
This forms part of the enhanced measures to control the spread of COVID-19 in the area, a press release signed by the Public Relations officer (PRO) of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), John Laste, explained.
It said, “A joint security council meeting of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metro and the Effia- Kwesimintsim Municipal Assemblies, took place on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, to review measures put in place to control the spread of COVID-19 in the metropolitan area.”
The statement said, “for the avoidance of doubt, sections within the Central Business District of Takoradi, entire Market Circle, Ebirewfomu Second-Hand and Shoe and Cloth Market , Old Axim Station Market (excluding the Taxi Terminal) , Behind All Saints Anglican Church Second-Hand Shoe and Cloth Market would be affected.”
It declared that all special market-days had temporary been suspended in the metropolitan area, reiterating that the Presidential directives to suspend all public gatherings, including conferences, workshops, funerals, parties, nightclubs, drinking spots, beaches, festivals, political rallies, religious activities and sporting events are still in force.
The statement said, whilst the markets remained closed, their leadership would be engaged to introduce shift system using colours, when the markets are reopened.
It announced that the Takoradi market would run three shifts (red, yellow and green) while Sekondi, Kojokrom and Effiakuma number nine markets would run two shifts, thus red and yellow.
The statement ordered “operators or managers of public places are directed to visibly display notices of ‘No Face Mask, No Entry’ at the frontage of their premises. Leadership of commercial transport operators are to ensure that their drivers and passengers wear face masks and observe social or physical distancing. Again, motorbikes are to be manned by only the rider.”
It said the various assemblies would undertake fumigation and disinfection exercises.
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, SEKONDI
News
National Service Authority to Introduce Military Training
Management of the National Service Authority, yesterday, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, held talks with the Military High Command towards the implementation of the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP).
When implemented, this will reflect His Excellency the President’s commitment towards the implementation of a short military training for National Service Personnel (NSPs) as planned efforts to instill discipline, nationalism and physical fitness among Ghanaian graduates.
The President shared this position during his maiden State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday February 27, 2025.
At yesterday ’s meeting, the Director-General, Mr. Felix Gyamfi reiterated the need for all personnel to undergo basic military drills and orientation as part of orienting the youth to embrace national development.
“The introduction of this military training is a step in the right direction and must be embraced by all and sundry as one of the indicators for resetting the country, particularly the youth,” he commented.
On his part, Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye assured the Authority of their willingness to provide the requisite training for personnel when the Programme officially commences.
In all, personnel will receive up to two months of composite basic military drills starting 3rd August, 2025.
News
Ghana Tourism Authority acts on concerns of minors allegedly taken to Hotel in Accra New Town.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has taken swift action following reports circulating on social media regarding an incident involving minors allegedly taken to a hotel in Accra New Town.
The case has been formally reported to the Nima Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation.
In line with their mandate to ensure safety and compliance in the tourism and hospitality sector, our CEO Mrs.Maame Efua Houadjeto delegated a team from the GTA Head Office, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO, Special Duties and Mr Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO, Operations who joined the Greater Accra Regional Director, Ms. Roberta Dawson-Amoah, and the Deputy Director of Marketing, Ms. Clara Nketiah, to visit the said facility.
The objective was to verify the facts on the ground and take necessary regulatory action.
They commended the Ghana Police Service for their co-operation and continued support in the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, the team inspected Royal Dede Beach Resort, which has been converted into a hostel under new management without official notification to the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The team discovered that the hostel’s operations were not in compliance with the L. I 2239. Meanwhile the operator has been directed to the Standards and Quality Assurance Department of the Authority for the necessary regulation.
“We remind all accommodation operators that the Tourism(Registration and Licensing of Accommodation) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2239) mandates every facility to register and obtain a license from the GTA before commencing operations.
This regulation ensures quality, safety, and compliance across the industry,” they noted.
The GTA they said, remains committed to safeguarding the public and upholding the highest standards in the hospitality sector and urged
the public to report suspicious or non-compliant facilities to the nearest GTA office.
