The Women in Engineering Ghana (WinE), has lauded government’s mass disinfestation and clean-up exercise in markets across the country.

According to the group such proactive actions would ensure the implementation of acceptable and hygienic conditions aimed at making markets safe, clean and well-organised to impact the longevity of the citizenry.

Dr Enyonam Kpekpena, President of the association said this when the group donated assorted Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to traders at the Mallam Atta Market in the Ayawaso Central municipality in Accra.

The PPE which included, Veronica buckets, plastic buckets, nose masks, liquid soap, hand sanitisers and baskets were to support the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) which formed part of the GH₵36,000 PPE package earmarked for three markets in the country towards winning the war against the pandemic.

The other beneficiaries were the main market at Ejisu and the Tema Community One market.

According to her, the markets are the refuelling warehouse of every home and the most vulnerable place for the transfer of the virus hence the gesture to support them adhere strictly to the existing protocols to keep themselves and their customers safe from the virus.

“The food that ends up on our tables is from the markets and the earlier innervations are put in place, the better it would be for the collective good of the country,” she added.

Dr Kpekpena, stated that the group which is the women’s wing of the Ghana Institution of Engineering was liaising with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to offer technical expertise on re-engineering the market and urged the traders to observe existing protocols including one meter social distancing yearning of nose masks, frequent washing of hands constant use of hand sanitisers to stay safe from the virus.

She urged for more stringent enforcement of sanitation laws, frequent clearing of chocked drains, and creation of new markets and the prevention of traders from selling on the pavements.

The president of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, Mr Alex Ayeh said the virus has become a bother and appealed to the traders to ensure that their customers adhere to the existing protocols to be free from the disease.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Mohammed Quaye, commended the group for the gesture and urged other philanthropists to emulate their example to support the country frontline staff from contracting the pandemic.

The Mallam Atta Market Queen, Nana Asafoanye Ogbedei, commended the group for the gesture and charged other spirited Ghanaians to support the effort of the assembly.

By Lawrence Vomafa-Akpalu