The exercise, under the auspices of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), is in line with proactive measures instituted by the government to manage the spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) disease.

A statement signed by Mr. Simon Osei-Mensah, the Regional Minister, copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Kumasi, said consequently, a temporary ban on all market-related activities would be enforced on the day of the exercise.

"I wish to take this opportunity to passionately appeal to all traders to cooperate and comply with the ban on activities in the markets on Friday," it said.

The statement gave the assurance that chemicals to be used for the spraying exercise were not harmful. Therefore, there is no fear for negative effects.

Ghana has recorded 68 confirmed cases and two deaths since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak about three months ago.