In Greater Accra which happens to be one of the Regions with high number of COVID-19 infections, it is expected that residents will practice the safety protocols such as wearing nose masks, regular hand washing, and social distancing rigidly.
This, however, is not the case when GBC News visited the Salaga market situated in Accra Central.
Most traders, as well as consumers, were seen going about their businesses without the nose mask citing health reasons.
Salaga Market situated in Accra Central, although smaller than the iconic Makola Market, can be said to harness some energy and intensity of Accra’s largest business centre but in much tighter quarters.
One can find anything there ranging from herbal medicine to food items and even handcrafted instruments. Due to the surge in covid-19 cases and new variants of the disease in the country, government, the Ghana Health Service and stakeholders have cautioned the public to at all times adhere to the safety protocols especially the wearing of face mask, regular hand washing and practicing social distancing.
These form part of measures being put in place to prevent the spread of the virus. However, the story is different at the Salaga market.
Neither was veronica buckets placed at vantage points to ensure regular handwashing nor was the social distancing protocol observed. Most traders and consumers could also be seen without their face mask.
Upon interrogation, some gave health reasons for not being in the nose mask, whiles others said they have the face mask and only put it on when someone approaches to purchase their goods.
When asked how business is faring, most of them said although the covid-19 has brought about low patronage, business is ongoing smoothly.
They are hopeful that the Covid-19 disease will soon become a thing of the past.
By: Sandra Amanfu and Faustina Arthur.