Four local food joints popularly called “chop bars” have been closed down by the Environmental Health Department of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis for selling food near public toilets.

According to the Head of the Department Mr Ahmed Sulley, the closure is aimed at ensuring that foods sold to the public are prepared under hygienic conditions following the increasing infestation of cholera among the residents.

He said 24 cholera cases have been recorded in the metropolis within a space of two weeks with two deaths.

He said a taskforce has been constituted by the assembly to educate food vendors in the twin city to ensure that foods are prepared under hygienic conditions while those selling in unprotected containers are stopped.

The Environmental Health Officer called for cooperation from the citizenry to ensure a smooth exercise and keep the cholera outbreak on check.