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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
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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